Does the environment in our schools invite kids in and make them excited to be there? It should!

Click here for more

Polly answers the question: “I like to set goals for myself and the kids. But when we don’t reach them, it feels like we both failed. Is there a better strategy?”

Click here for more

I’ve talked a lot about how to deal with kids’ anger, but adults get angry too!

Click here for more

Polly answers the question: “I am supposed to refer kids to the principal’s office for their behavior but nothing seems to come of it! So I just don’t do it anymore. What’s the point?”

Click here for more

Remembering that there are feelings behind a kid’s angry outburst will help you to respond instead of react.

Click here for more

Polly answers the question: “In my classroom I use prompts to get everyone’s attention, like, ‘Put your hand on your head if you are using whole body listening.’ This worked for a long time. But now they put their hands on their heads and keep right on talking! What am I doing wrong here?”

Click here for more

How do you handle it when kids blame others for their behavior?

Click here for more

Polly answers the question: “I had a kid say to me today: ‘Other kids are wearing the same thing I am but you’re the only teacher who’s got a problem with it!’ No one is enforcing the dress code but me! Help!”

Click here for more

When a kid’s behavior stops, is punishment still needed?

Click here for more

Polly answers the question: “What do I say to a student who comes to me feeling like they have been disrespected by another teacher… And they may be correct?”

Click here for more