I sometimes get questions about acknowledging students, particularly as it relates to praise. This is an important part of creating a positive behavioral environment for your class. Interestingly, teachers who use a higher ratio of praise to correction, and are specific when they do so (e.g., I like the way you are working so hard […]
Managing behavior and redirection
My son’s summer day camp was not well organized. When we arrived, I noticed counselors playing games with friends, and campers pushing and shoving. I saw a few staff talking with kids, but they were the exception. I noticed a fight breakout out on the basketball court when I picked up my son that afternoon. […]
Acknowledgement in Secondary Schools
“People should not be paid for doing the right thing! I should not be teaching people basic social skills at this point!” These are a few things I have heard from secondary teachers about teaching and acknowledging students. We know that acknowledging students is a key component of schoolwide supports for improving school climate. In his book […]