TL;DR: Challenging classroom behavior is often why teachers feel burned out. Building a strong classroom community is a proactive strategy to support positive behavior. Some strategies to build community include morning meetings, closing circles, mindfulness, and more! I was a special education teacher for 10 years and have been in the field for 12. The classroom community is my bread … Read More
Classroom Management Then and Now
TL;DR: Classroom management has changed quite a bit since the days of Harry Wong. Today’s classrooms have shifted physically and philosophically to empower students in their learning. Consider including wellness breaks in an instructional period to allow for meditation, hydration, or socialization. La-Shanda joined Rae on the Daily Drop In to chat about classroom management and including wellness practices with … Read More
Caring About Apathy
TL;DR: Apathy is not a personal attack on a teacher. Apathy is a sign that there are some roadblocks that need to be removed. Often, the “why” for a student’s apathy makes sense. We have to stop labeling students as apathetic before they have the chance to prove us wrong. We need to care about why they don’t care. Let’s … Read More
The Mindset Roller Coaster
TL;DR: Education this year is like a roller coaster; keep your mindset grounded. Take charge of your mindset. Level your emotions. Change the narrative. At the end of each day, take time to write down three things that went well, two things that you want to improve on the next day, and one thing you will celebrate with students. The … Read More
Creating Norms with My Students Changed My Classroom
TL;DR: Students really do want ownership in how their classroom runs. When they understand the why behind expectations, they can value those even when they don’t agree with them. Mutual trust is a necessary component before students can reliably set and follow their own norms. Creating Norms with My Students Changed My Classroom For 16 years, most of the students … Read More