This time of year it isn’t uncommon for students to become particularly uninspired. It’s the same-old/same-old syndrome. Every day feels like the one before and motivation ratchets downward. Some simple things you can do to help reverse the trend include: changing up your seating … Read more
Routines make everything easier. Because they . . . Transfer excellence to everything you do. Cut way down on misbehavior. Save loads of time. Keep students on task and purpose-driven. Free you to observe and supervise. Which is why anything and everything you do … Read more
I’ve occasionally been asked what one piece of advice I’d give to all teachers. It’s a daunting question. Truth be told, I’d want to mention a dozen or so core areas that work together to create a productive, well-behaved classroom. (In other words, become … Read more
It happens for no apparent reason. You’re cruising along. Your students are attentive and respectful. They’re listening and getting their work done. Behavior is good. But then, out of nowhere, you notice a slight fraying at the seams. They enter the classroom with a … Read more
Done right, modeling has the power to teach your students virtually anything you want them to be able to do. And in a way they won’t soon forget. The problem, however, is that most teachers don’t model very well. They gloss over details. They … Read more
Whether you’re teaching your students how to enter the classroom in the morning, turn in work, circle into groups, or even how to sit and attend during lessons, modeling is the most effective and efficient way to do it. Yet, it’s an area many … Read more
For classroom management-related instruction, the most effective teachers rely on modeling more than any other strategy. Because showing students what you expect is infinitely more powerful, more meaningful, and more memorable than voice instruction will ever be—by a long shot. Do it well and … Read more
I’d like to share with you a uniquely powerful classroom management strategy, one that, when used correctly, stands above the rest. This particular strategy never fails to make an impression and can be used as often as you wish. And the best part is, … Read more