So I ran this experiment. And enough time has passed that I can now share it with you. Here’s what happened: I was halfway through the semester with a class I really enjoyed. I had prepared them well to start the year by employing … Read more
One of the core tenets of SCM is to hold your students accountable for every rule violation. You do what you say you’re going to do. You follow through on your promises. Student breaks a rule and you enforce a consequence. It’s as simple … Read more
While coaching teachers this time of year, I find myself repeating the same phrase again and again: “You’re going to lay everything out for your students ahead of time.” What I mean by this is that the teacher is going to remove all uncertainty … Read more
Here at SCM, we talk a lot about the importance of creating a classroom students look forward to. It’s one of our core principles. Because, when your students enjoy being a member of your class, they’re naturally inclined to follow rules. They want to … Read more
It’s a popular strategy. You notice two students talking and giggling during a lesson, for example. So you move into their field of vision and give them “the look.” You deliver the old evil eye. You communicate with your piercing stare and tight lips … Read more
Here at SCM we recommend a 15-minute time-out. Even for younger students. This is longer than many teachers are comfortable with. The thinking is that a student in time-out will miss too much participation time. They’ll grow bored and antsy and start misbehaving. Besides, … Read more
Reflection forms have been around forever. And at first glance, they appear to be a good idea. Dig a little deeper, though, and they tell a different story. The way they work is that when a student is sent to time-out, they’re handed a … Read more
Time-out is an important part of any effective classroom management plan. But how is it best enforced? There is much confusion over where time-out should take place, how long it should last, and what students should be doing while they’re there. It’s a rare … Read more