There are two reasons why students continue to misbehave in the classroom. The boundary lines are ill-defined. Enforcement is inconsistent. Let’s take these one at a time. By nature, children as young as one and all the way up until adulthood will push and … Read more
Enforcing consequences is a critical part of managing your classroom. But it’s a small part. It’s a mere piece of a larger tapestry that is falling by the wayside due to the pandemic. You see, there has been so much negativity in our schools … 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
For behavior to improve, your students need to feel remorse when they misbehave. They need to reflect on their transgressions and decide not to make the same mistake again. Great, you say, but how might that be done? How do you get students to … 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
There is a mountain of misinformation about how to manage difficult students. It’s on a never-ending loop. Cycling through every school. Wafting down every hallway. And passing from teacher to teacher. At best, it’s confusing, contradictory, and difficult to apply consistently. It also does … 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