Education Archives - Pauncar.com

How To Encourage Difficult Students Smart Classroom Management

Assuming you’re following the SCM approach to transforming difficult students, there are two powerful ways you can encourage them along

How To Transform Difficult Students Smart Classroom Management

Smart Classroom Management now has a YouTube channel. Our plan is to post long-form videos that cover the core principles

How Teachers Mess Up The Amazing Benefits Of Routines Smart Classroom Management

Recently, I watched a second grade teacher walking her class to lunch. She was leading from the front and extremely

21 Annoying Student Behaviors That Are Indeed Enforceable Smart Classroom Management

Teachers ask me frequently if minor but annoying student behaviors are enforceable. They give me examples and want my opinion.

Why Accountability Isn’t Working In Your Classroom Smart Classroom Management

If accountability isn’t working in your classroom, whether individually or class wide, the problem is that you have an area

The Secret Classroom Management Strategy Of Highly Effective Teachers Smart Classroom Management

There is a classroom management strategy that hums along in the background of the most effective teachers. You can’t see

When To Reteach Your Classroom Rules Smart Classroom Management

After you’ve taught your classroom rules, you will be tested. Count on it. Sometimes it will be immediate and sometimes

Why Establishing Classroom Management Is Easier In August Smart Classroom Management

For many teachers, you get one shot. If you don’t establish effective classroom management within the first few days of

The Most Important Thing On The First Day Of School Smart Classroom Management

Teaching your classroom management plan is critical on the first day of school. 100 percent, cannot be missed. It’s also

How To Infuriate A Concerned Parent Smart Classroom Management

A parent comes to you after school just as you’re sitting down to do some planning. They stop and wait

How To Be More Consistent Next School Year Smart Classroom Management

There is a simple, ten-minute exercise you can do this summer that will all but guarantee better consistency next school

How To Teach Easy Lessons That Students Love Smart Classroom Management

“I shouldn’t have to entertain my students.” “I don’t have all day to lesson plan.” “I can’t compete with video

Why Your Students Should Read Books, Not Screens Smart Classroom Management

While observing classrooms, it’s common for me to see students staring at screens during independent reading time. Chromebooks mainly but

Your 2024-25 Smart Classroom Management Report Card Smart Classroom Management

At the end of every school year we post a report card for teachers. The purpose is to assess the

Why You Should Stop Using Video To Teach Smart Classroom Management

I was observing a teacher recently who left me dumbfounded. I was sitting in the back of the room with

Why You Must Keep Teaching Until The Last Day Of School Smart Classroom Management

It doesn’t matter whether you have a week left in the school year or a single day, just like any

How To Teach In The AI Era Smart Classroom Management

According to a recent article in New York magazine, nearly every student is using AI to cheat their way through

Why Sending Students To The Principal Is A Mistake Smart Classroom Management

There are rare times when you do need to send a student to the principal. But only for the following

Why You Should Never Share Social Media With Students Smart Classroom Management

Much like teachers allowing students to listen to music when their entire focus should be on learning, this one caught

Why You Need A Student Leadership Team Smart Classroom Management

Every year, I ask three or four students with natural leadership ability to be part of my leadership team. I

How To Handle A Student Who Yells “But I Didn’t Do Anything!” Smart Classroom Management

A student breaks a common classroom rule like forgetting to raise their hand. No big deal. It happens. So you

How To Handle Pesky, Advantageous Inattentiveness Smart Classroom Management

You have good classroom management. Your students like and respect you. They follow your directions and are attentive while you’re

How To Handle Your Students’ Smart Phone Withdrawal Smart Classroom Management

Since the advent of the smart phone, interest in acquiring academic skill and knowledge has dwindled. This is undeniably true.

How To Actually Apply “High Expectations” Smart Classroom Management

The importance of having high expectations for students is thrown about so often that it’s lost any real meaning. It

Why YOU Shouldn’t Correct Wrong Answers Smart Classroom Management

The culture of teaching demands that you correct every wrong answer for every student for every assignment AND ensure they

How To Program Your Subconscious For Teaching Success Smart Classroom Management

Here at SCM, we talk a lot about the importance of having a vision of your ideal class. Of seeing

Why Consistency Equals Compassion Smart Classroom Management

When a student misbehaves, giving them a reminder or otherwise letting them off the hook can feel like the right

The Easiest Classroom Management Strategy With the Greatest Benefit Smart Classroom Management

There is one thing you can do right now that will . . . improve behavior lower your stress build

How to Jump-Start a Stale, Boring Classroom Smart Classroom Management

This time of year it isn’t uncommon for students to become particularly uninspired. It’s the same-old/same-old syndrome. Every day feels

The Danger of Reminding Well-Behaved Students Smart Classroom Management

It’s so easy to do. One of your smart, capable, polite, well-groomed, athletic, and/or charismatic students accidentally and ever-so-briefly breaks

How To Handle A Disrespectful Class Clown Smart Classroom Management

Many years ago I read The Adventures of Robin Hood aloud to my 5th grade class. One day in the

Should You Give Consequences Privately? Smart Classroom Management

At first glance, the answer just might be yes. It makes sense, right? A student misbehaves and you give them

When To Praise Students So It Matters Smart Classroom Management

The first article ever written at SCM was about praise; subtle, meaningful praise given at just the right moment. The

A Simple Way To Improve Listening Smart Classroom Management

Okay, I won’t bury the lede. When students are doing, stop talking. Most teachers—yes, most—talk students through just about everything.

The Yin And Yang Of Classroom Management Smart Classroom Management

A danger in trying to improve classroom management is that you tighten up. You become more tense and wooden. You’re

11 Things Teachers Should Say No To Smart Classroom Management

Stress is crushing teachers, but there are things you can do to alleviate it. In fact, with a comprehensive approach,

The Best Of Smart Classroom Management 2024 Smart Classroom Management

Hello Amazing Teachers! On behalf of the entire SCM team, I want to say “Thank you!” You willingness to share

Why You Must Be Relentlessly Honest With Students Smart Classroom Management

In the eyes of students, the following are lies: You have class rules, but don’t always follow them. You preach

Time-Out For High School Students? Say What?! Smart Classroom Management

There is odd consensus that you can only use time-out for elementary-age students. This is silly. There is nothing wrong

How To Handle A Student Who Talks Back Smart Classroom Management

Not much fires a teacher up more than a student talking back. It has a special way of getting under

How To Use Your Teacherly Sense Smart Classroom Management

In Malcom Gladwell’s 2003 book Blink, he describes how experts can know what they know but not know why they

Why You Should Never Kneel Down Eye Level With Students Smart Classroom Management

Kneeling down to a student’s eye level to discuss behavior or impart an important lesson is common practice. It’s recommended

How To Get Your Students’ Attention Fast Smart Classroom Management

The ability to get your students’ attention anytime you need it is critical for good teaching. Because . . .

Why Fear Is Ruining Your Teaching Career Smart Classroom Management

Several years ago, a colleague confided in me that she was afraid to hold her students accountable because she was

How To Give A Consequence That Really Works Smart Classroom Management

How you give a consequence matters. It’s not just do or not do. The way it’s performed goes a long

How To Handle Students Who Don’t Mind Time-Out Smart Classroom Management

Last week, I wrote about how to fix time-out if it isn’t working. And I got some peculiar responses. “What

How To Not Be Stressed Out This School Year Smart Classroom Management

Stress is not only bad for your health, but it makes you a worse teacher. It causes you to .

How To Handle Misbehavior The First Weeks Of School Smart Classroom Management

Expect pushback and challenges to your authority during the first few weeks of school, especially if you teach in an

3 Leadership Traits Every Teacher Needs Smart Classroom Management

One reason many teachers struggle with misbehavior, disrespect, and the like is because they’re not strong leaders. In other words,

Why Your Students Need To Hear The Hard Truth Smart Classroom Management

Here at SCM we love shortcuts. We love saving time, lowering stress, and simplifying everything so we can enjoy all

How To Plan For A Sub And Ensure Good Behavior Smart Classroom Management

How to plan for a substitute teacher in a way that ensures good behavior is a question I’ve gotten a

Clearing Up Misconceptions Of The Letter-Home Consequence Smart Classroom Management

Here at SCM, we get many questions about the letter-home consequence. For the uninitiated, a letter home to parents can

When To Reteach A Routine Smart Classroom Management

Whenever your students are performing a routine, you must observe them closely. There are three reasons for this: 1. Knowing

The Problem With Project-Based Learning Smart Classroom Management

Many years ago, my 4th grade class took part in a school-wide science fair. There were awards for best projects

How To Handle A Disruptive Autistic Student Smart Classroom Management

I’m not an expert in autism. Nor do I have a degree or teaching credential in special education. I write

Why Your Time-Out Doesn’t Work Smart Classroom Management

Understanding time-out, its purpose and function, is key to its effectiveness. Yet, as I visit classrooms, many teachers get it

How To Handle A Disruptive Autistic Student Smart Classroom Management

I’m not an expert in autism. Nor do I have a degree or teaching credential in special education. I write

The Problem With Project-Based Learning Smart Classroom Management

Many years ago, my 4th grade class took part in a school-wide science fair. There were awards for best projects

When To Reteach A Routine Smart Classroom Management

Whenever your students are performing a routine, you must observe them closely. There are three reasons for this: 1. Knowing

Clearing Up Misconceptions Of The Letter-Home Consequence Smart Classroom Management

Here at SCM, we get many questions about the letter-home consequence. For the uninitiated, a letter home to parents can

How To Plan For A Sub And Ensure Good Behavior Smart Classroom Management

How to plan for a substitute teacher in a way that ensures good behavior is a question I’ve gotten a

Why Your Students Need To Hear The Hard Truth Smart Classroom Management

Here at SCM we love shortcuts. We love saving time, lowering stress, and simplifying everything so we can enjoy all

3 Leadership Traits Every Teacher Needs Smart Classroom Management

One reason many teachers struggle with misbehavior, disrespect, and the like is because they’re not strong leaders. In other words,

How To Handle Misbehavior The First Weeks Of School Smart Classroom Management

Expect pushback and challenges to your authority during the first few weeks of school, especially if you teach in an

How To Not Be Stressed Out This School Year Smart Classroom Management

Stress is not only bad for your health, but it makes you a worse teacher. It causes you to .

9 Ways To Never Lose Control Of Your Class Smart Classroom Management

The SCM approach is built on simplicity. Although it takes commitment, and there is a fair amount to learn, anyone

When And How To Teach Your Classroom Management Plan Smart Classroom Management

It’s a common question here at SCM. Should you teach your classroom management plan immediately on the first day of

The Long Forgotten Classroom Management Strategy You Need Smart Classroom Management

It’s critical that you create a culture conducive to excellent behavior. Indeed, and of course. That’s what we do here

The Big Lie Of Childhood Trauma Smart Classroom Management

The lie isn’t that childhood trauma doesn’t exist. Of course it does. Some of our students have been abused and

How And Why Not To Take Misbehavior Personally Smart Classroom Management

I’ve spoken to thousands of teachers about their classroom management struggles. They all have much in common. I repeat myself

Why You Need To Make One Classroom Management Commitment Right Now Smart Classroom Management

Now that your school year is over, it’s time to make a commitment. By commitment, I mean never going back.

Your 2023-24 Smart Classroom Management Report Card Smart Classroom Management

Your personal 2023-24 Smart Classroom Management report card is here! To review, the SCM report card is a rating system

How To Handle A Student Who Argues For A Misbehaving Friend Smart Classroom Management

Here’s the scenario: You witness a student break a rule, so you enforce a consequence. But then, out of nowhere,

How To Be A Great Teacher With No Personality Smart Classroom Management

Many years ago, before I started SCM, a district administrator who knew of my fascination with classroom management came to

How To Handle A Student Who Laughs When You Give Another Student A Consequence Smart Classroom Management

A common scenario: A student disrupts your class and you deliver a consequence. All good. But the moment you finish,

Why You Should Limit Group Work Smart Classroom Management

For students who are motivated and determined to do well, group work is an exercise in frustration and unfairness. They

How To Handle Students Who Do Nothing Smart Classroom Management

I’ve been writing here at SCM for 15 years. 748 articles. 12 books and e-guides. Above all else, this takes

Why You Must Require Properly Spoken Language In Your Classroom Smart Classroom Management

I know full well the opposing arguments. It’s outdated. It’s subjective. It’s discriminatory. It’s discouraging. It’s culture-denying. But with the

Why You Should Limit Your Contact With Difficult Students Smart Classroom Management

Here at SCM we talk a lot about the importance of letting your classroom management plan do the work of

Why You Must Say No To Pleading Students Smart Classroom Management

“Can we skip grammar practice just this one time?” “Can we have an extra day to do our homework?” “Can

Why You Need To Freshen Up Your Class Routines Smart Classroom Management

This time of year things tend to get sloppy. Students are feeling the lazy pangs of summer approaching. It’s in

How To Avoid Dangerous Student Behavior Smart Classroom Management

The jettisoning of firm consequences in favor of a purely restorative approach has caused more dangerous behavior among students. It’s

What Is Effective Classroom Management? Smart Classroom Management

Well, it isn’t trickery. It isn’t manipulation, bribery, or intimidation. It isn’t lecturing or one-on-one counseling. It isn’t rewards or

Why Orderliness Is A Predictor Of Classroom Management Success Smart Classroom Management

I can tell how effective a teacher is before seeing them in action. I just need a few minutes in

Why “Pressure Passes” Are A Ridiculous Behavior Strategy Smart Classroom Management

Have you heard of pressure passes? They’re slips of red or yellow paper that allow difficult students to leave your

27 Things That Make Your Classroom Management Plan Work Smart Classroom Management

Your classroom management plan is a small part of effective classroom management. It’s critical and absolutely mandatory, but by itself

Why You Should Never Fear Misbehavior Smart Classroom Management

If you stress over the possibility of misbehavior, then it’s a sign your classroom management is in need of an

Why Redirection Is A Bad Classroom Management Strategy Smart Classroom Management

Redirection as a classroom management strategy is common, accepted, and wholly uncontroversial. Touted from Baja to the Canadian Rockies and

A Fun Way To Walk Your Class Across Campus Smart Classroom Management

Typically, when I walk a class across campus I let them do so without my input. With as much independence

Why You Should Never Get Between Two Aggressive Students Smart Classroom Management

There was a viral video a few months ago of a teacher standing between two students who were arguing back

Why Public Education Is Failing And How You Can Fix It Smart Classroom Management

I happened to see an email from a teacher designating a list of students as those who would be assigned

Why You Need To Bring More Humor To Your Classroom Smart Classroom Management

No, you don’t have to be riotously funny. You don’t have to prepare daily jokes and stories. You don’t even

Why Time-Out Must Be Taught Smart Classroom Management

You don’t have to call it time-out. You can call it time away, reflection time, or anything you like. The

How To Turn Around Difficult Students With A Simple Psychological Trick Smart Classroom Management

No, you’re not going to trick your students. Here at SCM, we oppose all manipulative practices of classroom management, which

A Simple Way To Attain Daily Improvement Smart Classroom Management

To be an effective teacher it’s critical to continually push your students to get better every day. There is no

3 Powerful And Unique Ways To Model Smart Classroom Management

Going a day without modeling is like gardening without a trowel. Because modeling engages students. It draws them in and

A Simple Way To Improve Classroom Culture Smart Classroom Management

There is a simple way to improve classroom culture that works fast but actually moves the needle. To be clear,

How To Calm And Reset Your Classroom Smart Classroom Management

Your temperament will transfer to your students like Covid in a college dorm. Thus, your calmness from opening bell to

Why Some Teachers Continue To Struggle With Classroom Management Smart Classroom Management

I speak to a lot of teachers who’ve been struggling with classroom management for years. And I’ve noticed some common

How To Handle Unplanned Interruptions Smart Classroom Management

Things happen. Interruptions fall from the sky. Events and incidents out of your control invade your well-ordered peace like the

How To Handle Students Who Need Your Attention Smart Classroom Management

They’re needy and urgent. They follow you around and pull on your hem. They ask a zillion questions and expect

How To Handle A Bossy Colleague Smart Classroom Management

It could be a grade-level leader or department chair, co-teacher or seen-it-all veteran, or maybe a friend who teaches in

How To Avoid Holiday Misbehavior Smart Classroom Management

Misbehavior tends to increase as we edge closer to holiday break. It’s a phenomenon as old as Santa and just

The Best Of Smart Classroom Management 2023 Smart Classroom Management

Hello Amazing Readers, On behalf of SCM, I want to say “Thank you!” Your support sharing our articles and books