Playing the Game – Mastering the Art of Classroom Management

Lastly, thank you to all the teachers who have tirelessly (and thanklessly) devoted their lives to educating our children. Aside from parenting, I cannot imagine anything that requires as much humility, perseverance, sacrifice, mental toughness and unconditional love.

It takes the hard part of classroom management out of your hands and puts it into the hands of the students.

I shared with this class that most scientists are like them—a little weird and not easily placed into a box

Consequently a new point opportunity was added specifically and only for this class but with one caveat. We agreed to keep the additional point a secret from the other classes.

The fact that a certain set of rules worked so well one year does not necessarily mean that they will produce equally great results in subsequent years

The students have to feel like they have a chance to WIN and I have to create opportunities to foster that hope.

“Notice first period’s points. They had a terrible day, so come on, pull ahead. In fact, I’m so irritated with them today that I absolutely want you to pull ahead of them.”

The goal is always more engaged students who have a chance to participate in a quality education

you do have the ultimate power and authority to influence the outcome

you have to constantly remember that you control the game