If you get annoyed when your students misbehave, then it’s going to lead to more misbehavior. Even if you don’t say a word. Your sighs, facial expressions, and body language reveal all there is to know about what’s roiling inside. Students prey upon emotionally … 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
Since returning to in-person learning, respect has taken a nosedive. Students are just different. We all see it. We all know it. The question is, what to do about it? Well, the usual keys are still in play. Clear Boundaries 100% Consistency Calm Enforcement … Read more
It’s popping up more and more in IEPs and 504s. Called Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), it’s marked by disobedient behavior toward authority. But what is it really? It’s a student who doesn’t want to be told what to do. They don’t want rules or … Read more
Word on the street is that many teachers are surprised by the misbehavior they’re seeing now that more and more students are returning to school. They shouldn’t be. After all, the students you saw online aren’t the same ones you’re seeing in person. Oh, … Read more
So what is brazen behavior? I define it as anything especially disruptive, silly, or defiant. Some examples: Running or chasing in the classroom. Yelling, bursting laughter, or falling on the floor. Roughhousing and practical jokes. Ignoring specific directions or commands. Throwing spitwads, erasers, or … Read more
It’s common for teachers to have blind spots. —Areas they’re unaware of but have a negative impact on classroom management. Being perceived by students as a pushover is a prime example. They all know it. But the teacher doesn’t have a clue. This is … Read more
It’s among the most requested topics we have yet to cover. How do you handle a student who questions you, your decisions, or the way you run your classroom? How do you respond when you know their motives are less than pure? When you … Read more