Creating an autonomy-supportive classroom
In a recent article I wrote about motivation – or what psychology researchers more accurately call “regulation”. A useful question to ask students is not “How motivated are you?”. Rather, try “How are you motivated?” If they’re externally motivated, or introjected, you’ll get lousy results. If they’re identified, you’ll see progress. If they’re integrated or […]
The Secret Source of Classroom Motivation
It’s well accepted that there are two kinds of motivation. Some students are extrinsically motivated. They’ll move if you offer a big enough bribe or threat. Carrots and sticks. Punishments and rewards. Other students are intrinsically motivated. They don’t need your input to go after something. It’s inside them. They’re keen. Focused. Driven. Drawn to […]
Habit Hacks for the New Year
Everyone wants to dump bad habits and create good ones, especially as a new year kicks in. So, let’s get clear on some terminology and then talk about habit hacks that make a REAL difference. Understanding Habits and Hacks What Is a Habit? A habit is an activity or action that we do in response to a […]
A Grown Up’s Guide to Worry Stacking (and how to help kids kick it!)
What Is Worry Stacking? Have you ever seen a child or teenager lose it over something seemingly tiny? Having to switch off their screen… Not having the “right” pencil case… Another child breathing in their direction… We’ve all been there! In the moment, their behaviour may have seemed over the top, but their anxious response […]
Boys, Girls, Brains, & Behaviour in the Classroom
Adolescence, often celebrated and equally challenging, is a profound phase in the lives of students. The teen years are marked by incredible changes, both physical and psychological, that have a tremendous impact on the classroom setting. Teens are discovering new cognitive abilities, new social opportunities, heightened sexual awareness, a sense of who they are becoming, […]
Riding the Waves
Articles for the time-poor teacher who just wants… ANSWERS NOW Anxiety in our young people is at an all-time high. It has been rising for decades, and since COVID the numbers have exploded. Why the Huge Rise? Social media is the common scapegoat. There are good reasons to blame Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, but they are not the […]
ADHD in the Classroom
ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects at least one in twenty students in our classrooms. That’s more than one per class! As an educator (and one of the primary adults in these children’s lives) the impact that you have on your ADHD students is paramount. This quick guide offers insights into […]
Teaching our Boys to Respect Women
Several years ago, when my daughter was just 8, she came to me about a boy in her grade. “Dad, he keeps on trying to kiss me. Today at recess he kissed me twice on the face. I keep telling him to ‘Stop it!’ and he doesn’t.” Historically this kind of incident may have been […]
R U OK Day – Talking About It and What Happens When They Say ‘No’
No. I’m not OK. Every September our social media feeds, workplaces, and schools are overwhelmed with people asking “R U OK?” While it is a beautiful sentiment and showing care and concern for others is powerful and positive, it sometimes falls a little short. While R U OK day has led to important breakthroughs for […]
The Three Es of Parenting (and Teaching!) Children
Believe it or not, there is a significant difference between discipline and punishment. Discipline is about teaching and instructing someone, while punishment means “to inflict a penalty”. It sounds a little harsh, right? And consequences means “the result of something occurring earlier”. Unfortunately, consequences and punishment sometimes mean the same thing when it comes to […]