They’re sure used a lot. Visit just about any classroom and within minutes you’re likely to hear one. “Remember to walk.” “Hey, keep your hands to yourself.” “No talking while I’m talking.” But are reminders effective? Do they actually improve behavior? Well, like much … Read more
Readers have asked this question again and again over the years. And I can certainly understand why. It’s a decision that can cause you to second guess yourself either way. Darned if you do and darned if you don’t. However, there is a third … Read more
Most teachers begin the school year strong. They teach their classroom management plan in detail. They set expectations and polish and hone routines. They build quick rapport and inspire good initial behavior. Everything seems so easy. But then, three or four weeks in, things … Read more
Come the first day of school, you’ll be ready. Your room, your schedule, your activities and lessons. Your outfit. All primed, polished, and poised to succeed. You’ll even know exactly what you’re going to say when you greet your new class. Which is all … Read more
You begin the school year with so much hope. But then, not an hour after teaching your classroom management plan, your students are misbehaving. They’re talking when you’re talking. They’re leaving their seats without permission. They’re calling out, giggling, and ignoring your directions. It’s … Read more
Here at SCM, we’ve received a number of emails asking how best to handle students who misbehave outside the four walls of the classroom, but while still in your presence. In other words, how do you respond to rule-breaking while walking to lunch, for … Read more
So you have this student who seems determined to ruin your school year. He (or she) is blatantly disrespectful. He makes fun of and laughs at other students. He’s rude and silly. He’s argumentative and attention-seeking. He is well known by every staff member … Read more
Many difficult students behave the way they do because they’ve experienced—and often continue to experience—emotional turmoil associated with a deplorable home life. Verbal and physical abuse, poverty, neglect, drug and alcohol use in the home, and other sources of emotional pain and trauma can … Read more