…is Pop-Up Debates. The format is so simple: I take what I learn and pick a new skill to teach or model during the next Pop-Up Debate. There is nothing else that I do with students that produces as much obvious growth over the course of the school year than this simple public speaking ritual. […]
Classroom Management Is All About…
…creating an environment in which student behaviors are conducive to enjoyable and productive learning experiences. Enjoyable and productive: that’s the key framing language to use with students. You have your rules and procedures and management moves not because you like controlling young people, but rather because you are so darn in love with enjoyable and […]
The First Day of School…
…is just the first day of school. By my math, I get about 179 more days coming after it. Is it special? Of course. Should you over-stress about it? For sure not. 99% of the power of your first day of school comes down to how well you execute on it for the remainder of […]
All That We’ve Got to Do This Year…
…is promote the long-term flourishing of young people BY teaching them toward mastery. That is literally it. Don’t lose the forest for the trees. It’ll drive ya nuts. Teaching right beside you, DSJR P.S. Oh — hi there! Remember me? I’m still alive over here. 👋 I hope you enjoyed your summer. In the weeks […]
Bad and Good Surprises to End the School Year
Dear colleague, If you’ve been trying to access my website during the last 10 days or so, chances are it’s been spotty. Sometimes folks ask me, “Dave, how do you do it all?” And my answer is always “Um, I don’t.” I’m really good at a couple things, but average or below at most things. […]