Don’t wait until a kid kicks the desk over
Date: November 7th, 2013
Watch this video [1:01] to learn what questions I ask myself when I am deciding which behavior to target.
How I lost control of my class by asking the wrong question.
Date: October 29th, 2013
I’d just finished taking attendance in my high school language arts class for pregnant teens with special needs.
Everyone was settled in their orange plastic seats, eyes front, and I was about to start our first activity when Tiffany walked in late with a pass.
I took it, silently, placed it on my desk, and continued my instruction to the class. That was Monday.
On Tuesday, Ramona was late. Unlike Tiffany the day before, she did not have a pass. Again, I was in the middle of instruction.
Don’t invite behaviors – identify needed social skills
Date: October 24th, 2013
Watch this video [1:08] to see why I think teaching social skills in your classroom is VITAL for academic success.
Why we don’t want to ban recess games
Date: October 17th, 2013
Watch this video [1:31] to see why we do NOT want to outlaw the games kids play at recess.
Unrealistic behavior goals will crash and burn
Date: October 9th, 2013
Do you try to reason with a student who’s escalated?
Date: October 3rd, 2013
Earning the trust of a rough and scary high schooler.
Date: September 26th, 2013
I was headed to my third period class when I saw him – a tall, white, 11th grader, with a shaved head and a fully-loaded attitude. He stood across the hall from my classroom door, leaning against the wall as though he owned that stretch of hallway.
Starting a power struggle is a dead end
Date: September 19th, 2013
How I helped one student solve his own problem
Date: September 12th, 2013
Watch this video [1:28] to see how Polly helped a reluctant student to solve his own dilemma.
How do I manage my class when a student acts out?
Date: September 4th, 2013
Watch this video [1:55] to see how to keep the rest of your class focused when one student acts out.
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