Last week, a reader asked a question I’ve gotten a lot over the years. “How should I hold difficult students accountable?” It’s a topic I haven’t covered specifically because the answer is so simple and direct: Just like everyone else. You calmly approach the … Read more
No, you’re not going to ignore their misbehavior. It’s just that . . . well, let’s back up a little. When you first receive your roster for the coming year, it’s normal to want to get the lowdown on your new class. It’s normal … Read more
When I began this blog more than six years ago, I made a commitment to telling the whole truth about classroom management. The good and bad. The harmful and transformational. What really works and what doesn’t. Along the way we’ve dispelled myths, exposed misconceptions, … Read more
Maybe it’s the way they interrupt you. Maybe it’s their disrespectful tone. Maybe it’s their silliness or side-talking or affinity for misbehaving at the worst possible time. Whatever it is, it bugs you. It gets under your skin. It prompts an internal dialogue you’re … Read more
Here at Smart Classroom Management we hear from teachers and administrators from all four corners of the globe. And one of the more perplexing trends in classroom management is to give students choices instead of consequences. For example: Let’s say a student named Jason … Read more
A student points their finger inches from your face and teasingly says, “I’m mad at you. That homework last night was hard!” Or . . . A student raises their hand and commands you to “Tell John to stop bothering me.” In either case … Read more
Most teachers are hyperaware of their most difficult students—and well they should be. It’s smart to know where they are and what they’re doing. But this awareness can cause you to behave oddly around them. It can cause you to glare and glower in … Read more
Teachers tend to be overly focused on their most difficult students. They stress-out about them. They strategize over them. They spend more time dealing with them than the rest of their class put together. They try this approach, then that one. They powwow again … Read more