My principal bought this for me, and I can't recommend it enough.
Although the anecdotes are somewhat formulaic after awhile, the message is clear, and I would highly suggest reading it if you're (like me) having trouble with management in the classroom.
Basically, the gist of the book is thus: Offering limited choices empowers students but also puts you back in charge.
For example, a kid is tilting their chair backwards deliberately even after repeated warnings. Instead of repeated warnings, and the inevitable power struggle, the book suggests simply stating the following:
"Student, you may either stop tilting your chair OR you may stand for 5 minutes until you figure out how to sit appropriately".
This puts up clear expectations/consequences of what will happen to Student A if he/she chooses not to stop the behavior. All the teacher has to do is follow through with the consequence (sometimes easier said than done)
Another idea is having what's called the Teacher Rental Store. I am getting awfully tired of kids coming in without pens/pencils/paper/notebooks etc and claiming that it's in 'their locker'. After the semester ends, I am going to institute this system, in which if a student wishes to borrow something, they must pay 'rent'. Whether this involves cleaning boards, putting up chairs, or some other service, students will learn that they have to give to get.
Responsibility. I can haz?
In any case, I've taken away some really good points from this book, and hope it helps you too.
Sara
Al - Khwarizimi
