There is a choice you can make today that will insulate you from all school-related drama and politics. It will also transform how your colleagues view you. I must emphasize that it is a liberating choice, a glorious choice, a choice that will improve … Read more
Sagging pants are a problem in the classroom. They’re a problem because they bring an attitude of rebelliousness. You’ve seen it yourself. When a student sags their pants, they behave differently than when they don’t sag their pants. “But Michael, it’s an expression! It’s … Read more
In educational parlance, building community means to manufacture it. It means to organize activities and “circles” in order to create camaraderie and a cohesive family-like environment. The sentiment is good. A sense of togetherness and altruism is something every teacher should strive for. However, … Read more
The SCM approach to classroom management isn’t complicated. It isn’t burdensome or overbearing. It’s neither stressful nor manipulative. It doesn’t entail stickers or stamps, tokens or prize boxes. It doesn’t require lectures and talking-tos, admonishments and reprimands, behavior contracts and counseling sessions. It’s neither … Read more
I’m often asked what to do when your class isn’t badly behaved, but still disruptive. In other words, as a group they tend to be excitable and talkative. Every transition and activity you have to settle and quiet them down. It’s a common question … Read more
“My students are social butterflies.” “Chatting is their learning style.” “They’re an expressive, creative bunch.” These statements and others like them are said as way of explanation. They are the reasons given for why the teacher is frequently interrupted. And why the class is … Read more
The strategy is counterintuitive and therefore doesn’t reach many teachers. When a class gets off track, the tendency is to talk. It’s to rehash, remind, and redo. It’s to circle-up the community, lecture and rebuke. And while you may see temporary improvement, it’s unlikely … Read more
It’s not to teach your classroom management plan. With an out-of-control class, bringing up rules right away will fall on deaf ears. No, the first step after losing control or taking over an unruly class is to remove excitability. You see, in poorly behaved … Read more