At the start of a new school year, it’s common for teachers to send home a packet of information for parents. This packet typically consists of school policies and procedures, daily schedules, papers to be signed, and hopefully a classroom management plan. This is … Read more
If you’re a regular reader of this website, then you know creating leverage is critical to classroom management success. One of the most powerful ways of creating leverage is to become admired—a hero to your students. I know. It’s not your job to be … Read more
Maybe it’s the weather. Or a full moon. Or maybe a holiday is around the corner. Whatever it is, there are times when your class just can’t seem to get it together. They’re unfocused, squirrelly, prone to misbehavior. And no matter what you do, … Read more
It’s natural for teachers struggling with classroom management to try to do more. They talk more, move around the room more, and meet with students more. They raise their voice and micromanage. They hover and pace. They race through lessons hoping to finish before … Read more
The key to effective classroom management is leverage. If your students like being part of your classroom, then you have leverage, and accountability will work the way it’s supposed to. If your students don’t like being in your classroom, then you’ll struggle with classroom … Read more
Clip charts, prize boxes, incentive systems, seating arrangements, stickers, pep-talks, noise makers, red cards, table points, trinkets, tokens, awards, erasers, free time, computer time, first in line, contracts, privileges, and… enough!!! It can make you want to scream. For many, classroom management has become … Read more
Years ago I was asked to teach a summer school science class to a group of eighth graders. Because many had failed a similar course during the school year, more than sixty students signed up. Another teacher was brought in to help. His name … Read more
The link between classical music and learning is well established. It has been shown to enhance certain forms of intelligence, like verbal and spatial abilities. And teachers who regularly play Mozart while students are practicing math skills report that it helps with concentration and … Read more