Wild-eyed parents. Petrified students. Bat-crazy colleagues. Changing policies. Uncertainties. Obstacles. Frustrations. STRESS. Political division and its effects is enough to make you curl up rocking and sobbing on your kitchen floor. But there is one thing you can control. A trump card, if you … Read more
Now that many schools are open for in-person learning, teachers are finding it difficult to build rapport. Social distancing and plexiglass partitions are barrier enough to the connections needed to motivate, inspire, and communicate with students effectively. But it’s mask wearing that takes the … Read more
Time-out is a symbolic as well as physical separation from the class students enjoy being part of. This is key. Because if a misbehaving student doesn’t feel like they’re missing something, if they don’t care whether they’re in time-out or not, then it won’t … Read more
Trapped and muted. Dreams shattered into pieces. Forced inside and away from the friendships that mean so much to them and the school that centers their life. Our students are hurting. So what do you say to them? How do you ease their pain? … Read more
Mounting research indicates a sharp increase in mental health issues among students since the pandemic began. This includes soaring rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. As teachers, we’re in position to help stem the tide. And there is a lot we can do. In … Read more
Your students are wilting like gardenias in a downpour. They yawn and fidget. They daydream and sigh. They struggle to follow along amid a thousand and one distractions clawing for their attention. Television blaring in the other room. Siblings sitting just inches away. The … Read more
Although the hard numbers aren’t in yet, surveys indicate that the pandemic is taking a toll on our students’ mental health. Fear and social isolation are causing a spike in anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation. You’ve likely seen signs yourself: Lethargy Apathy Indifference Distractability … Read more
With students experiencing profound mental health struggles because of the pandemic, I’ve taken a different approach to teaching this year. And I hope you’ll join me. Yes, I’m still following my classroom management plan. I still expect every student to meet the standards I … Read more