There is a trait great teachers share. It isn’t something you can see, not at first glance anyway. But every student can sense it. They can feel it viscerally while in their teacher’s presence. It’s something lasting, highly influential, and part of who the … Read more
A problem has been nagging me for several years. And now I’m doing something about it. You see, a small number of SCM principles and strategies are far more important than the rest. In fact, they form the very foundation of effective classroom management. … Read more
There was strong reaction to last week’s article, almost all of it good. But it left a few readers confused, even angry, especially those visiting our website for the first time. Because SCM runs counter to many long-held beliefs about classroom management. It upends … Read more
Effective classroom management is as much about what you don’t do. As it is about what you do. The mere absence of bad habits. The omission of certain teacher traits and behaviors. The removal of common but ultimately hurtful strategies . . . Can … Read more
When it comes to classroom management, you’ve got to pick your battles. So the advice goes. The idea behind the common saying that you can’t have what you really want. You can’t have a consistently peaceful room environment. You can’t have impeccable student behavior. … Read more
A few years ago, I wrote an article called 50 Things You Don’t Have To Do For Effective Classroom Management. It resonated with a lot of readers. The reason, I believe, is because there is so much misinformation out there. We’re bombarded with it … Read more
Recently, a teacher asked me to observe her in action. It didn’t go well. Her classroom was chaotic. Her students played and goofed off. They yelled and roughhoused. They wrestled, guffawed, and used language that would make a sailor blush. They dismissed her and … Read more
The Smart Classroom Management approach works. It works for elementary school teachers. It works for middle and high school teachers. It works for new teachers and veterans alike. It works regardless of where you teach, who your students are, or whether or not you … Read more