Category: Education
Is an Accredited Online School suitable for working students?
Balancing work and education can be challenging for many students, but an Accredited Online School offers a flexible solution. Online schools provide structured learning programs while[more...]
Why do universities monitor online searches related to pay someone to take my proctored exam?
Online searches related to pay someone to take my proctored exam Universities take academic integrity very seriously, which is why many institutions actively monitor online[more...]
Minimax Optimal Rates: The Theoretical Boundaries of Learning Efficiency
In the vast landscape of data science, every model is a traveller navigating uncertain terrain — seeking truth amid the fog of randomness. Just as[more...]
How To Transform Difficult Students Smart Classroom Management
Smart Classroom Management now has a YouTube channel. Our plan is to post long-form videos that cover the core principles of effective classroom management. Think[more...]
How Teachers Mess Up The Amazing Benefits Of Routines Smart Classroom Management
Recently, I watched a second grade teacher walking her class to lunch. She was leading from the front and extremely active. She would stop often[more...]
21 Annoying Student Behaviors That Are Indeed Enforceable Smart Classroom Management
Teachers ask me frequently if minor but annoying student behaviors are enforceable. They give me examples and want my opinion. This happens so often that[more...]
Why Accountability Isn’t Working In Your Classroom Smart Classroom Management
If accountability isn’t working in your classroom, whether individually or class wide, the problem is that you have an area of weakness. The solution is[more...]
The Secret Classroom Management Strategy Of Highly Effective Teachers Smart Classroom Management
There is a classroom management strategy that hums along in the background of the most effective teachers. You can’t see this strategy. It isn’t applied[more...]
When To Reteach Your Classroom Rules Smart Classroom Management
After you’ve taught your classroom rules, you will be tested. Count on it. Sometimes it will be immediate and sometimes misbehavior will trickle in later[more...]
Why Establishing Classroom Management Is Easier In August Smart Classroom Management
For many teachers, you get one shot. If you don’t establish effective classroom management within the first few days of school, you’ll never get there.[more...]
The Most Important Thing On The First Day Of School Smart Classroom Management
Teaching your classroom management plan is critical on the first day of school. 100 percent, cannot be missed. It’s also smart to begin modeling and[more...]
How To Infuriate A Concerned Parent Smart Classroom Management
A parent comes to you after school just as you’re sitting down to do some planning. They stop and wait at the door, a look[more...]
How To Be More Consistent Next School Year Smart Classroom Management
There is a simple, ten-minute exercise you can do this summer that will all but guarantee better consistency next school year. All it takes is[more...]
How To Teach Easy Lessons That Students Love Smart Classroom Management
“I shouldn’t have to entertain my students.” “I don’t have all day to lesson plan.” “I can’t compete with video games and social media.” These[more...]
Why Your Students Should Read Books, Not Screens Smart Classroom Management
While observing classrooms, it’s common for me to see students staring at screens during independent reading time. Chromebooks mainly but also tablets and, in some[more...]
Your 2024-25 Smart Classroom Management Report Card Smart Classroom Management
At the end of every school year we post a report card for teachers. The purpose is to assess the extent you were able to[more...]
Why You Should Stop Using Video To Teach Smart Classroom Management
I was observing a teacher recently who left me dumbfounded. I was sitting in the back of the room with the principal, who was there[more...]
When did the DfE Connect the Classroom initiative begin?
DfE Connect the Classroom initiative begin The DfE Connect the Classroom initiative began as part of the UK government's broader effort to modernise and enhance[more...]
Why You Must Keep Teaching Until The Last Day Of School Smart Classroom Management
It doesn’t matter whether you have a week left in the school year or a single day, just like any other break, be it winter[more...]
How To Teach In The AI Era Smart Classroom Management
According to a recent article in New York magazine, nearly every student is using AI to cheat their way through college. It’s happening in high[more...]
Why Sending Students To The Principal Is A Mistake Smart Classroom Management
There are rare times when you do need to send a student to the principal. But only for the following reasons: Violence Threats of violence[more...]
Why You Should Never Share Social Media With Students Smart Classroom Management
Much like teachers allowing students to listen to music when their entire focus should be on learning, this one caught me by surprise. Evidently, there[more...]
Why You Need A Student Leadership Team Smart Classroom Management
Every year, I ask three or four students with natural leadership ability to be part of my leadership team. I meet with them once a[more...]
How To Handle A Student Who Yells “But I Didn’t Do Anything!” Smart Classroom Management
A student breaks a common classroom rule like forgetting to raise their hand. No big deal. It happens. So you calmly give a warning. And[more...]
How To Handle Pesky, Advantageous Inattentiveness Smart Classroom Management
You have good classroom management. Your students like and respect you. They follow your directions and are attentive while you’re speaking. Yet, the second you[more...]
How To Handle Your Students’ Smart Phone Withdrawal Smart Classroom Management
Since the advent of the smart phone, interest in acquiring academic skill and knowledge has dwindled. This is undeniably true. Kids spend hour upon hour[more...]
How To Actually Apply “High Expectations” Smart Classroom Management
The importance of having high expectations for students is thrown about so often that it’s lost any real meaning. It rolls off the tongue like[more...]
Why YOU Shouldn’t Correct Wrong Answers Smart Classroom Management
The culture of teaching demands that you correct every wrong answer for every student for every assignment AND ensure they understand what they did wrong.[more...]
How To Program Your Subconscious For Teaching Success Smart Classroom Management
Here at SCM, we talk a lot about the importance of having a vision of your ideal class. Of seeing your students, like a movie[more...]
Why Consistency Equals Compassion Smart Classroom Management
When a student misbehaves, giving them a reminder or otherwise letting them off the hook can feel like the right thing to do. Because we’re[more...]
The Easiest Classroom Management Strategy With the Greatest Benefit Smart Classroom Management
There is one thing you can do right now that will . . . improve behavior lower your stress build better rapport save time In[more...]
How to Jump-Start a Stale, Boring Classroom Smart Classroom Management
This time of year it isn’t uncommon for students to become particularly uninspired. It’s the same-old/same-old syndrome. Every day feels like the one before and[more...]
The Danger of Reminding Well-Behaved Students Smart Classroom Management
It’s so easy to do. One of your smart, capable, polite, well-groomed, athletic, and/or charismatic students accidentally and ever-so-briefly breaks a class rule, and you[more...]
How To Handle A Disrespectful Class Clown Smart Classroom Management
Many years ago I read The Adventures of Robin Hood aloud to my 5th grade class. One day in the middle of teaching an unrelated[more...]
Should You Give Consequences Privately? Smart Classroom Management
At first glance, the answer just might be yes. It makes sense, right? A student misbehaves and you give them a hand signal letting them[more...]
When To Praise Students So It Matters Smart Classroom Management
The first article ever written at SCM was about praise; subtle, meaningful praise given at just the right moment. The kind that boosts motivation like[more...]
A Simple Way To Improve Listening Smart Classroom Management
Okay, I won’t bury the lede. When students are doing, stop talking. Most teachers—yes, most—talk students through just about everything. Lining up to leave the[more...]
The Yin And Yang Of Classroom Management Smart Classroom Management
A danger in trying to improve classroom management is that you tighten up. You become more tense and wooden. You’re so intent on following your[more...]
11 Things Teachers Should Say No To Smart Classroom Management
Stress is crushing teachers, but there are things you can do to alleviate it. In fact, with a comprehensive approach, you can all but eliminate[more...]
The Best Of Smart Classroom Management 2024 Smart Classroom Management
Hello Amazing Teachers! On behalf of the entire SCM team, I want to say “Thank you!” Your willingness to share our website with your friends[more...]
Why You Must Be Relentlessly Honest With Students Smart Classroom Management
In the eyes of students, the following are lies: You have class rules, but don’t always follow them. You preach kindness, but don’t practice it[more...]
Time-Out For High School Students? Say What?! Smart Classroom Management
There is odd consensus that you can only use time-out for elementary-age students. This is silly. There is nothing wrong with removing a student who[more...]
How To Handle A Student Who Talks Back Smart Classroom Management
Not much fires a teacher up more than a student talking back. It has a special way of getting under the skin because . .[more...]
How To Use Your Teacherly Sense Smart Classroom Management
In Malcom Gladwell’s 2003 book Blink, he describes how experts can know what they know but not know why they know it. They experience a[more...]
Why You Should Never Kneel Down Eye Level With Students Smart Classroom Management
Kneeling down to a student’s eye level to discuss behavior or impart an important lesson is common practice. It’s recommended without second thought. Teachers do[more...]
How To Get Your Students’ Attention Fast Smart Classroom Management
The ability to get your students’ attention anytime you need it is critical for good teaching. Because . . . It saves time. It allows[more...]
Why Fear Is Ruining Your Teaching Career Smart Classroom Management
Several years ago, a colleague confided in me that she was afraid to hold her students accountable because she was convinced that they would hate[more...]
How To Give A Consequence That Really Works Smart Classroom Management
How you give a consequence matters. It’s not just do or not do. The way it’s performed goes a long way toward your students taking[more...]
How To Handle Students Who Don’t Mind Time-Out Smart Classroom Management
Last week, I wrote about how to fix time-out if it isn’t working. And I got some peculiar responses. “What if my students like time-out?”[more...]
How To Not Be Stressed Out This School Year Smart Classroom Management
Stress is not only bad for your health, but it makes you a worse teacher. It causes you to . . . Lose your cool.[more...]
How To Handle Misbehavior The First Weeks Of School Smart Classroom Management
Expect pushback and challenges to your authority during the first few weeks of school, especially if you teach in an exceptionally challenging environment. It’s normal,[more...]
3 Leadership Traits Every Teacher Needs Smart Classroom Management
One reason many teachers struggle with misbehavior, disrespect, and the like is because they’re not strong leaders. In other words, they lack . . .[more...]
Why Your Students Need To Hear The Hard Truth Smart Classroom Management
Here at SCM we love shortcuts. We love saving time, lowering stress, and simplifying everything so we can enjoy all that is fun and rewarding[more...]
How To Plan For A Sub And Ensure Good Behavior Smart Classroom Management
How to plan for a substitute teacher in a way that ensures good behavior is a question I’ve gotten a lot over the years. I’ve[more...]
Clearing Up Misconceptions Of The Letter-Home Consequence Smart Classroom Management
Here at SCM, we get many questions about the letter-home consequence. For the uninitiated, a letter home to parents can be part of the third[more...]
When To Reteach A Routine Smart Classroom Management
Whenever your students are performing a routine, you must observe them closely. There are three reasons for this: 1. Knowing that you’re watching keeps them[more...]
The Problem With Project-Based Learning Smart Classroom Management
Many years ago, my 4th grade class took part in a school-wide science fair. There were awards for best projects per grade level, best projects[more...]
How To Handle A Disruptive Autistic Student Smart Classroom Management
I’m not an expert in autism. Nor do I have a degree or teaching credential in special education. I write only from the perspective of[more...]
Why Your Time-Out Doesn’t Work Smart Classroom Management
Understanding time-out, its purpose and function, is key to its effectiveness. Yet, as I visit classrooms, many teachers get it wrong. It’s not a dunce-cap[more...]
Why Your Time-Out Doesn’t Work Smart Classroom Management
Understanding time-out, its purpose and function, is key to its effectiveness. Yet, as I visit classrooms, many teachers get it wrong. It’s not a dunce-cap[more...]
How To Handle A Disruptive Autistic Student Smart Classroom Management
I’m not an expert in autism. Nor do I have a degree or teaching credential in special education. I write only from the perspective of[more...]
The Problem With Project-Based Learning Smart Classroom Management
Many years ago, my 4th grade class took part in a school-wide science fair. There were awards for best projects per grade level, best projects[more...]
When To Reteach A Routine Smart Classroom Management
Whenever your students are performing a routine, you must observe them closely. There are three reasons for this: 1. Knowing that you’re watching keeps them[more...]
Clearing Up Misconceptions Of The Letter-Home Consequence Smart Classroom Management
Here at SCM, we get many questions about the letter-home consequence. For the uninitiated, a letter home to parents can be part of the third[more...]
How To Plan For A Sub And Ensure Good Behavior Smart Classroom Management
How to plan for a substitute teacher in a way that ensures good behavior is a question I’ve gotten a lot over the years. I’ve[more...]
Why Your Students Need To Hear The Hard Truth Smart Classroom Management
Here at SCM we love shortcuts. We love saving time, lowering stress, and simplifying everything so we can enjoy all that is fun and rewarding[more...]
3 Leadership Traits Every Teacher Needs Smart Classroom Management
One reason many teachers struggle with misbehavior, disrespect, and the like is because they’re not strong leaders. In other words, they lack . . .[more...]
How To Handle Misbehavior The First Weeks Of School Smart Classroom Management
Expect pushback and challenges to your authority during the first few weeks of school, especially if you teach in an exceptionally challenging environment. It’s normal,[more...]
How To Not Be Stressed Out This School Year Smart Classroom Management
Stress is not only bad for your health, but it makes you a worse teacher. It causes you to . . . Lose your cool.[more...]
9 Ways To Never Lose Control Of Your Class Smart Classroom Management
The SCM approach is built on simplicity. Although it takes commitment, and there is a fair amount to learn, anyone can do it. Short or[more...]
When And How To Teach Your Classroom Management Plan Smart Classroom Management
It’s a common question here at SCM. Should you teach your classroom management plan immediately on the first day of school or wait and ease[more...]
The Long Forgotten Classroom Management Strategy You Need Smart Classroom Management
It’s critical that you create a culture conducive to excellent behavior. Indeed, and of course. That’s what we do here at SCM. We teach exactly[more...]
The Big Lie Of Childhood Trauma Smart Classroom Management
The lie isn’t that childhood trauma doesn’t exist. Of course it does. Some of our students have been abused and neglected. Others have witnessed violence,[more...]
How And Why Not To Take Misbehavior Personally Smart Classroom Management
I’ve spoken to thousands of teachers about their classroom management struggles. They all have much in common. I repeat myself a lot. My advice is[more...]
Why You Need To Make One Classroom Management Commitment Right Now Smart Classroom Management
Now that your school year is over, it’s time to make a commitment. By commitment, I mean never going back. Never giving in. Never allowing[more...]
Your 2023-24 Smart Classroom Management Report Card Smart Classroom Management
Your personal 2023-24 Smart Classroom Management report card is here! To review, the SCM report card is a rating system that revels the extent to[more...]
How To Handle A Student Who Argues For A Misbehaving Friend Smart Classroom Management
Here’s the scenario: You witness a student break a rule, so you enforce a consequence. But then, out of nowhere, a student nearby denies the[more...]
How To Be A Great Teacher With No Personality Smart Classroom Management
Many years ago, before I started SCM, a district administrator who knew of my fascination with classroom management came to see me. She wanted me[more...]
How To Handle A Student Who Laughs When You Give Another Student A Consequence Smart Classroom Management
A common scenario: A student disrupts your class and you deliver a consequence. All good. But the moment you finish, another student laughs at the[more...]
Why You Should Limit Group Work Smart Classroom Management
For students who are motivated and determined to do well, group work is an exercise in frustration and unfairness. They do all or most of[more...]
How To Handle Students Who Do Nothing Smart Classroom Management
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[more...]
Why You Must Require Properly Spoken Language In Your Classroom Smart Classroom Management
I know full well the opposing arguments. It’s outdated. It’s subjective. It’s discriminatory. It’s discouraging. It’s culture-denying. But with the right touch and spirit of[more...]
Why You Should Limit Your Contact With Difficult Students Smart Classroom Management
Here at SCM we talk a lot about the importance of letting your classroom management plan do the work of improving behavior for you. About[more...]
Why You Must Say No To Pleading Students Smart Classroom Management
“Can we skip grammar practice just this one time?” “Can we have an extra day to do our homework?” “Can we do 10 math problems[more...]
Why You Need To Freshen Up Your Class Routines Smart Classroom Management
This time of year things tend to get sloppy. Students are feeling the lazy pangs of summer approaching. It’s in the tea, the daily grind,[more...]
How To Avoid Dangerous Student Behavior Smart Classroom Management
The jettisoning of firm consequences in favor of a purely restorative approach has caused more dangerous behavior among students. It’s like nothing I’ve seen in[more...]
What Is Effective Classroom Management? Smart Classroom Management
Well, it isn’t trickery. It isn’t manipulation, bribery, or intimidation. It isn’t lecturing or one-on-one counseling. It isn’t rewards or tokens, threats or “caught being[more...]
Why Orderliness Is A Predictor Of Classroom Management Success Smart Classroom Management
I can tell how effective a teacher is before seeing them in action. I just need a few minutes in their empty classroom during a[more...]
Why “Pressure Passes” Are A Ridiculous Behavior Strategy Smart Classroom Management
Have you heard of pressure passes? They’re slips of red or yellow paper that allow difficult students to leave your classroom anytime they like. Yep,[more...]
27 Things That Make Your Classroom Management Plan Work Smart Classroom Management
Your classroom management plan is a small part of effective classroom management. It’s critical and absolutely mandatory, but by itself won’t get you very far.[more...]
Why You Should Never Fear Misbehavior Smart Classroom Management
If you stress over the possibility of misbehavior, then it’s a sign your classroom management is in need of an overhaul. You see, when you[more...]
Why Redirection Is A Bad Classroom Management Strategy Smart Classroom Management
Redirection as a classroom management strategy is common, accepted, and wholly uncontroversial. Touted from Baja to the Canadian Rockies and circumnavigating the civilized world, it’s[more...]
A Fun Way To Walk Your Class Across Campus Smart Classroom Management
Typically, when I walk a class across campus I let them do so without my input. With as much independence as possible. It’s something I[more...]
Why You Should Never Get Between Two Aggressive Students Smart Classroom Management
There was a viral video a few months ago of a teacher standing between two students who were arguing back and forth. The students were[more...]
Why Public Education Is Failing And How You Can Fix It Smart Classroom Management
I happened to see an email from a teacher designating a list of students as those who would be assigned an “alternative” final project. Alternative[more...]
Why You Need To Bring More Humor To Your Classroom Smart Classroom Management
No, you don’t have to be riotously funny. You don’t have to prepare daily jokes and stories. You don’t even have to try to make[more...]
Why Time-Out Must Be Taught Smart Classroom Management
You don’t have to call it time-out. You can call it time away, reflection time, or anything you like. The name is unimportant. But what[more...]
How To Turn Around Difficult Students With A Simple Psychological Trick Smart Classroom Management
No, you’re not going to trick your students. Here at SCM, we oppose all manipulative practices of classroom management, which are unfortunately common in this[more...]
The Best Of Smart Classroom Management 2023 Smart Classroom Management
Hello Amazing Readers, On behalf of SCM, I want to say “Thank you!” Your support sharing our articles and books and recommending our website keeps[more...]
How To Avoid Holiday Misbehavior Smart Classroom Management
Misbehavior tends to increase as we edge closer to holiday break. It’s a phenomenon as old as Santa and just as predictable. But it isn’t[more...]
How To Handle A Bossy Colleague Smart Classroom Management
It could be a grade-level leader or department chair, co-teacher or seen-it-all veteran, or maybe a friend who teaches in the room next door. But[more...]
How To Respond To A Sudden Increase In Misbehavior Smart Classroom Management
Once in a great while, especially in the first few weeks of the school year, your students may test you to see if you really,[more...]
What To Say To Build Rapport With Students Smart Classroom Management
The SCM principle of being consistently pleasant has many and tremendous benefits. Chief among them is that it builds effortless rapport. By taking on an[more...]
How To Not Get Annoyed When Your Students Misbehave Smart Classroom Management
If you get annoyed when your students misbehave, then it’s going to lead to more misbehavior. Even if you don’t say a word. Your sighs,[more...]
A Simple Way To Attain Daily Improvement Smart Classroom Management
To be an effective teacher it’s critical to continually push your students to get better every day. There is no stasis. You’re either improving or[more...]
3 Powerful And Unique Ways To Model Smart Classroom Management
Going a day without modeling is like gardening without a trowel. Because modeling engages students. It draws them in and holds their attention. It removes[more...]
A Simple Way To Improve Classroom Culture Smart Classroom Management
There is a simple way to improve classroom culture that works fast but actually moves the needle. To be clear, by improving culture, I’m referring[more...]
How To Calm And Reset Your Classroom Smart Classroom Management
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[more...]
Why Some Teachers Continue To Struggle With Classroom Management Smart Classroom Management
I speak to a lot of teachers who’ve been struggling with classroom management for years. And I’ve noticed some common themes. I thought I’d share[more...]
How To Handle Unplanned Interruptions Smart Classroom Management
Things happen. Interruptions fall from the sky. Events and incidents out of your control invade your well-ordered peace like the hordes of Cimbri. A fire[more...]
How To Handle Students Who Need Your Attention Smart Classroom Management
They’re needy and urgent. They follow you around and pull on your hem. They ask a zillion questions and expect your personalized attention. It doesn’t[more...]