They’re a subset of students at every school and in nearly every classroom. The cool kids. They with the fashion sense, the pulse of popular culture, the presence that effortlessly draws others into their sphere. Okay, all fine and good. But here’s the problem: … Read more
Consistency is the heart and soul of effective classroom management. Without it, nothing works as it should. And everything gets worse over time. Behavior Respect Work habits They continue to deteriorate until and unless you start following through. But how? That’s the big question. … Read more
Mental acuity is an often-overlooked aspect of good teaching and absolutely essential for effective classroom management. Yet, despite it being so important, it’s never mentioned. Well, we’re going to mention it. In fact, what follows are nine things you can do to ensure that … Read more
Many, many teachers are in the habit of looking the other way when the top 10% of their class break a rule. It’s understandable, and certainly easy to justify. After all, the misbehavior is nearly always an accident, like quietly asking a question but … Read more
“Knowing what must be done does away with fear.” -Rosa Parks Consistency is everything to your success. Because, if you’re wishy-washy, if you let things go and fail to follow through on your promises— Then your students won’t trust you. They won’t listen to … Read more
It’s a common practice. One teachers have been doing since time immemorial. A student breaks a class rule and you write their name on the board. Check marks follow any further transgression. It’s a simple way of keeping track of consequences that also acts … Read more
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