Your temperament will transfer to your students like Covid in a college dorm. Thus, your calmness from opening bell to dismissal is critical. That isn’t to say that you can’t be enthusiastic about your subject matter or that you shouldn’t emote, playact, and express … Read more
There are techniques that can help you maintain a calm disposition throughout each teaching day. Even if chaos is swirling around you. We’ve covered several in the past, both in our books and here on the website. But today I want to share with … Read more
No, your class isn’t terrible. They’re just silly, unfocused, excitable. In a word, crazy. It’s frustrating because you’ve been over your classroom management plan again and again. And they do get it. In fact, individually they’re great kids. It’s just, as a group they … Read more
It’s a common frustration. You know you’re a good teacher. You’re calm and friendly toward your students. You prepare interesting lessons and never threaten or yell. And yet, you’re still struggling. Your students aren’t terrible, but they’re often rambunctious. They seem immature for their … Read more
It’s common to assume that allowing students to talk to whomever they want about whatever they want is a bad thing. That it wastes time. That it gets them off track. That it riles them up and causes misbehavior. But when you decide when … Read more
One of the biggest causes of misbehavior is excitability. It’s also one of the hardest to fix. The reason is that most struggling teachers just don’t notice it. They become so used to the tension, so accustomed to the antsiness and disquiet, that they’re … Read more
As the holiday season ramps up, students become antsier. They can feel the midyear break just around the corner. And their excitement builds day by day. The weather, the music, the traditions. The decorations, the lights, the commercials. Despite how much your school may … Read more
Keeping a calm, unruffled temperament makes classroom management easier. It effectively removes excitability, which is a major cause of misbehavior. It makes you more likable and worthy of trust. It gives you leadership presence and allows you to build effortless rapport. But for many … Read more