DearAnxiousTeacher

  Face it. Kids are tough. Kids come from all different backgrounds and experiences. You’re up in front of a room all by yourself. You think respect is automatic, but this isn’t 1965 anymore. How do you earn it? You might think. You earn respect through kindness, empathy, being an adult, and holding students accountable. Kindness : It gets a bad reputation. Students might think you’re an easy target. Kindness needs to be paired with boundaries. Let me tell you a few things about kindness though in the classroom. It can heal, ease tension, make learning more enjoyable, and pump positive vibes into your classroom. I’ve seen some of the most challenging students surrender and change due to kindness. Don’t let it fool you or overlook it. Discipline with kindness always. Students will take nothing personal if you do it in a loving, adult-like manner. Kindness is impactful, and every classroom should use this powerful tool. Does it mean you’re soft and pushover? No. Listen—you can be to...

  “Speak softly but carry a big stick” is a wonderful adage and something to live by in the classroom. Never yell, scream, get passive aggressive, lose your cool, and most of all, try not to be human! Joking. Listen, we all have those moments where we do it. Just don’t make it a habit and try President Teddy Roosevelt’s approach instead with your students. The big stick in the adage is the actionable events. Middle school and high school students after a while will tune out your pleas, empty threats, and view you as a weakling or fraud when it comes to discipline. It’s about love and accountability, and these actionable consequences serve as your discipline and teachable moments. Remember discipline means educating your students, not instilling the fear of the Lord into them. Recently one of my students was talking and then making eye contact with a girl during a really important reading exam. I warned the student once by using proximity and whispering to him at his desk to avoid d...