Many of the classroom management strategies discussed recently will be most effective when dealing with only one or two students. However, when the numbers increase, addressing the class as a whole may be necessary.

Unfortunately, this is also where many teachers make a crucial mistake. That mistake is dealing out whole-class punishments. “If this class doesn’t quiet down you’ll all be in for recess!” If you want to lose the respect of those students who ARE behaving appropriately then go right ahead do this because that is all you will accomplish.

Instead, a better approach is to use something know as the Premack Principle (a.k.a. “Grandma’s Law”)

How does it work?

Simple…

According to “grandma’s law” teachers should use a “preferred activity” as a reinforcer for a “less-preferred activity”.

For example, “If you can work quietly on your assignment for the next ten minutes, we’ll have time for a game of social studies bingo.”

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A new school year here!

To learn how to make a difference in the lives of your students and inspire them to do their best for the rest of their lives with teacher tested techniques you can use immediately in your classroom…make sure to read How to Make a Difference @ www.howtomakeadifference.com

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