Smart classroom management

The ability to ask for and receive your students’ attention is crucial. It’s crucial because it saves precious learning time. It improves listening and performance. It allows you to give instruction anytime you need to and know that it will be heard and understood. ... Read more

I had the opportunity this week to observe a truly gifted teacher. She was teaching a lesson to kindergarten students, many of whom she had never met. And they were mesmerized. They were engaged and eager to follow her every direction. But what made ... Read more

Of all the responsibilities you have on the first day of school, teaching your classroom management plan is número uno in importance. After all, your success as a teacher hinges on your ability to manage your classroom. That’s just the way it is. Teachers ... Read more

You feel like you're doing everything right. You're friendly and consistent and your students know what is expected of them. And yet, you still struggle.

I’ve been writing here at SCM for 15 years. 748 articles. 12 books and e-guides. Above all else, this takes focus. Which, in this day and age, I have to protect like a rare orchid. Otherwise, I’ll lose the ability to shut out distraction ... Read more

You can’t force it. This is the mistake teachers make. Trying to pull quiet, shy, or distrustful students out of their shell does the opposite. It makes them less likely to participate and engage in discussions. It causes them more discomfort and embarrassment. It ... Read more

I know this to be true after years of working with thousands of teachers struggling with classroom management: They don’t know what they want from their students. Should they allow talking while entering the classroom? Should they allow calling out during discussions? Should they ... Read more

Here at SCM, we receive a lot of questions about how to teach lessons that capture student interest. And for good reason. The ability to get your students to want to listen and pay attention plays a critical role in curbing misbehavior. It also ... Read more

This week's article is about the very rare occasion when you shouldn't enforce a consequence and what you should do instead.