Polly answers the question: “I have a class clown. He’s not mean, he’s actually very funny, but he’s causing lots of distractions. I don’t want to get mad at him to make him stop, but what exactly do I do?”

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Polly answers the question: “What resources do you like for teaching social skills to middle and high school kids? We really need help with this!”

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When I observe a student, I make sure to see the kid in different environments throughout the school day.

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Polly answers the question: “I’m a music teacher and I’m having an issue with students who refuse to listen during music excerpts and instead chat – thereby ruining it for the whole class. Separating them hasn’t made a difference. They don’t take the subject seriously and therefore come in with an attitude. What should I do?”

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Polly answers the question: “What are your feelings about trying to keep 80 elementary schoolers silent in the lunch line and at certain times during their lunch? Our cafeteria is SO LOUD!”

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Go observe your colleagues! You’ll realize you are not alone and you can build your toolbox.

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Directly teach your students how to NOT be distracted by their own senses in the classroom.

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Polly answers the question: “I teach a program for kids who have significant social emotional challenges and they use foul language frequently. But if I used the standard approach with them, I’d have them in detention for swearing every day! How do I handle this?”

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I recently saw a teacher bring play into “morning meeting,” and it was VERY effective.

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Polly answers the question: “I am working with a small group of grade 5 girls who need help in mathematics but instead of listening to me, they keep talking and arguing with each other. I don’t know how to motivate them to focus on their work. Please help.”

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