Would you like to decrease the amount of conflict and find more joy in the relationships in your life? How about on your team at work, in your home with your kids or your spouse, and yes, even in your…
Let’s face it. Interacting with teenagers all day can be a source of stress. Some days it’s all we can do to keep a smile on our faces (but we do it anyway). Our Proactive Classroom Management (PCM) strategy this week is a HAPPY one.…
You know that stress of trying to settle your class down after a transition (especially after recess or lunch!)? Well, imagine how less chaotic it would be if your students would magically enter class each period ready to: transition quickly! be…
As a teacher, you have power to make a difference in the lives of your students. As a result of their time with you, they will develop thoughts and feelings about school, about learning, and about themselves. For some students,…
What do social media addiction, the lure of slot machines, and disruptive classroom behavior have in common? All of them are shaped behaviors caused by the possibility of some type of reinforcement/reward during a seemingly random time period. For those of us…
You’re a teacher. You’re in front of an “audience” all day. You know that being an effective communicator is a must-have skill. It’s a skill that helps you convey meaning, clarify questions, and helps you deliver appropriate correction and praise.…
Although most of us don’t have a choice when it comes to which classroom we get assigned to, we do have at least some control over how we set up the environment in that space. Effective teachers know the organization of…
If you’ve ever gone to the supermarket with a toddler in tow, you probably know the art of pre-correction. Anticipating the possibility of a bored or tired child acting out, you come prepared! You might think ahead to bring along toys, snacks, music,…
Are you noticing a gap between your expectations and students’ classroom behavior? Is that gap widening as the year goes along? If so, it might be time to revisit PCM #9 Teach, Model, and Reinforce Behavior Expectations. Teaching behavior expectations is pretty much…
From moving into groups to putting books away to exiting the classroom at the end of the period, successful transitions help your class run like a well-oiled machine. When transitions in your room are managed well, not only is there…