TL;DR: Prevent power struggles by building relationships, providing choices, beginning with a purpose, checking in with students, and being willing to negotiate. If you find yourself entering a power struggle, take a step back, defer the conversation until a time when there isn’t an audience, and walk away. If a power struggle does occur, apologize first, then continue to strengthen … Read More
Simple Ways To Foster Relationships
TL;DR: Surveying students and the 2×10 strategy are two ways to strengthen relationships with your students. Initiating meaningful conversations with others to foster classroom community. When I first interviewed for teaching positions, I was never asked a single question about how I build classroom community. I was asked about my philosophy around classroom management (firm, consistent, and fair), and how … Read More
Management with the Grid: How to Keep Kids Motivated
TL;DR: The Grid method can seem like a huge change, but there are some consistencies with a traditional approach. A teacher shares some strategies for management and engagement with the Grid. “How do you keep kids motivated?!” This question pops up over and over again for educators. It does not matter whether you teach elementary or high school, or if … Read More
5 Elements We Learned & We Can Not Forget: Remote & Physical Classrooms
TL;DR: The five elements to take away from the COVID-19 crisis. Ways to come back stronger when we return to our physical classrooms. Let’s clear the air early on – there are WAY more than just 5 things I hope educators have learned during this since the transition from physical classrooms to remote learning. And if you really thought there … Read More
Teaching Through Classroom Leadership
In This Post: The need for a culture of leadership in your classroom in addition to traditional classroom management practices. The need for more authentic, leadership-oriented professional development. The big differences between managing and leading students. Why creating relationships with students gives you greater influence and ability to lead in your classroom. There are 6 words that will change your … Read More