Master Classroom Management

Today I'm excited because I've got three whole days {without too much planned} that I can spend digesting the treasures in this book I've been reading.

From the publisher: Dr. Jerry Evanski’s approach stems from a simple and practical idea: that classroom management is based on teaching methods that keep your students interested and engaged, not on disciplining students when they misbehave. As he says, “Poor teaching strategies can trigger behavior problems. You can prevent problems before they occur.”

Based on significant review of educational research that is sprinkled throughout the book, Dr. Evanski has developed a program that offers one simple skill a day to build a repertoire of classroom management techniques. After eight weeks, teachers have mastered 40 new skills that cover the key teaching areas of:

-       Getting attention

-       Keeping attention

-       Engaging students

-       Teaching the lesson

-       Getting participation

-       Giving directions

-       Communicating

-       Transitioning

Here is a sample of some of the skills covered in the book:

-       Your Teaching Spot - Teach students to associate specific locations in your classroom with different messages—one spot for teaching, one spot for announcements, etc.

-       The Big Picture – Help students establish the context for what you’re teaching by showing them how it fits into what they are learning throughout the year.

-       Acknowledge the Effort – Encourage participation by teaching students how to enthusiastically acknowledge the effort of their classmates.

Why I'm loving this resource: The first thing that draws me to this book is that Dr. Evanski's ideas, many of which are backed by brain research, 

exude engagement, motivation and fun. I have a feeling that educators like me will learn and grow by leaps and bounds as they tailor these tips to fit the needs of the students in their classroom families. 

The second sticking point is how the book is set up, with an idea to test-drive every day of the week for eight weeks, to facilitate learning and implementation. 

The third-and-equally-important reason I'm endorsing Dr. Evanski's work is that it's a tool that supports my firm belief in disciplining through proactive modeling, teaching and practicing of skills rather than with a reactive punishing of skill deficits. Isn't that what our students deserve from us? And isn't that how we hope they'll lead when they're in charge? 

Check out this book; I predict it'll be a positive influence and support as you work with intention to create a culture of dignity, caring and respect in your 

character building.