Smart Classroom Management

The Moment Classroom Behavior Always Gets Worse

Michael Linsin — Fri, 15 May 2026 21:19:01 +0000

There is a moment when classroom behavior always gets worse. It is a moment that is entirely controlled by the teacher. Yet, few teachers are aware of it. The moment consists of something the teacher does—or, more accurately, doesn’t do. It also typically gets ... Read more

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13 Hidden Signs Your Class Is Out Of Control

Michael Linsin — Fri, 08 May 2026 23:06:18 +0000

Many teachers have an out-of-control class and don’t realize it. Maybe it’s because they’ve gotten so used to chaos and disrespect that they think it’s normal. Maybe they’ve never actually observed a polite, well-behaved class before. Maybe no one has told them the hard ... Read more

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Does Being Too Nice Cause Misbehavior?

Michael Linsin — Fri, 01 May 2026 22:44:43 +0000

The idea that being too nice is the reason you’re struggling with classroom management is a misunderstanding of why students misbehave. This is a common belief and why you often hear the following advice: “Don’t smile the first two months of the school year.” ... Read more

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Why Students Ignore Your Directions

Michael Linsin — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 23:33:21 +0000

It’s among the most frustrating classroom management problems. You give directions and your students either ignore them or they . . . kinda-sorta follow them. grudgingly follow them. try but fail to follow them. So you reteach. You remind. You narrate. But the problem ... Read more

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Here’s Why Your Stress Is So High

Michael Linsin — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 22:36:08 +0000

There is one thing nearly every teacher does that skyrockets stress. You’re probably doing it too. Because it comes naturally. It makes sense. It feels right. Plus, you see every other teacher doing it. So what is it? It’s trying to convince students to ... Read more

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Why Every Student Needs A Whiteboard

Michael Linsin — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:42:09 +0000

Every student in your class needs their own personal whiteboard. They need to know where to keep it, how to care for it, and when to use it. Its strict operation and function must be taught, modeled, and practiced like any other routine. Once ... Read more

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How To Improve Student Politeness

Michael Linsin — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:29:20 +0000

The more polite students are, the fewer class rules are broken. Therefore, if we improve politeness, then we can save a lot of time and trouble holding students accountable. The problem, however, is that teaching politeness doesn’t work. Not in this day and age. ... Read more

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How To Handle Lazy Indifference

Michael Linsin — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 23:57:27 +0000

When students are uninterested and struggling to focus, the instinct is to back off. It’s to require fewer paragraphs and math problems and to stop being so nitpicky about rules and routines. It makes sense. If you’re demanding more than they can handle, then ... Read more

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5 Ways You’re Telling Students “You Can’t”

Michael Linsin — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:55:26 +0000

In ways subtle but clear, scores of teachers are communicating to their students every day that they can’t do it. They don’t measure up. They’re not good enough, smart enough, or capable enough. Most troubling, these teachers have no idea they’re doing this. In ... Read more

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How To Handle A High Energy Class

Michael Linsin — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 02:24:33 +0000

Having energetic students isn’t a bad thing. In fact, there are three big advantages: They’re primed for learning. They’re fun to teach. They’re eager to participate. However, they’re also prone to excessive talking and disruptive behavior. Therefore, even if you have solid classroom management ... Read more

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