JUL
07
2023

Logical Consequences

Logical consequences are a key practice in the Responsive Classroom approach to discipline. A logical consequence is a non-punitive response to misbehavior that allows teachers to set clear limits and students Read More…
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DEC
09
2022

How Logical Consequences Are Different From Punishment

A student doodles during class instead of completing their assignment. Classmates shove each other as they get in line for recess. Between periods, a group of students runs down the Read More…
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SEP
02
2011

Punishment vs. Logical Consequences

The use of logical consequences is one part of an approach to discipline used in the Responsive Classroom. It’s a powerful way of responding to children’s misbehavior that not only is effective…
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SEP
25
2023

Everyday Rules That Work!

Scholastic published this article on the Responsive Classroom approach to rules and logical consequences for the August 2003 issue of Instructor magazine. It was reprinted with permission on the Responsive Classroom website,…
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NOV
06
2012

The Right Response

I’ve noticed that teachers who are learning about the Responsive Classroom approach to discipline often worry a lot about choosing the “right” response to student misbehavior. “Is there a list of logical…
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NOV
01
2004

Problem-Solving Conferences That Worked

Question: Think of an instance in which you used a teacher-child problem-solving conference. Why did you choose that strategy?  A: Edward often clowned around during work times, keeping everyone from getting work…
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NOV
01
2001

Working with Families

Question:In my classroom this year, I am implementing two teaching strategies, Morning Meeting and Rules and Logical Consequences, but I’m concerned about parents’ reactions. I can imagine that they will worry that…
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AUG
27
2024

Responding to Misbehavior

No matter how carefully we teach positive behavior, students will still sometimes misbehave. They'll forget the rules, their impulses will win out over their self-control, or they'll just need to test where…
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AUG
27
2024

The Power of Teacher Language

As the children come back from lunch, they are slow to quiet down. Calmly, the teacher rings a chime, a well-rehearsed signal for attention. She waits a moment until the last child…
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AUG
26
2024

Bullying in Schools

Bullying is a top issue on educators’ minds.Those using or exploring the Responsive Classroom approach frequently ask, “Is this approach a bullying prevention program? If not, how does it relate to bullying…
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AUG
22
2024

Teachers’ Hopes and Goals

In the hustle and bustle of the beginning of back-to-school time, have you thought about your goals for learning and growth for this year? I recently talked with a principal who was planning…
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JUL
05
2024

A Lesson Learned About Prizes

During my years of teaching, I have used individual written agreements coupled with a simple token system to give children with particularly challenging behavior the extra support they need to improve. Recently,…
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APR
08
2024

Five Discipline Strategies That Preserve Dignity

The Responsive Classroom approach is based on building a positive community of engaged learners. In order to do so, it is essential to uphold the dignity of all students. It Read More…
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FEB
12
2024

Strategies for Solving Thorny Behaviors

February is a good time to take stock of the strategies you use to address behavior issues in your classroom. The months you have already spent with your students have Read More…
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FEB
05
2024

Keeping Rules Front and Center During the Winter Slump

Recently I noticed my first graders having more trouble than usual sticking to our classroom rules. Several possible explanations came to mind as I began to reflect:“Am I not doing something I…
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DEC
13
2023

Individual Written Agreements

When Justin started first grade, he was prone to violent outbursts. On the very first day of school, after I asked him to complete a reading response task and he threw his…
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DEC
04
2023

Ways To Address Common Behavior Challenges That Pop Up Midyear

It’s a few months into the school year, and you may be noticing an increase in challenging student behaviors. Suddenly students are struggling to follow classroom rules that they learned Read More…
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OCT
26
2023

Douglas Elementary: Giving Students and Teachers a Voice

Location: Watertown, WI  Type of school: Public elementary school  Grade levels: Early childhood through fifth grade  Number of students: 315   A Responsive Classroom school since: 2018    Douglas Elementary is a Read More…
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APR
01
2023

Bringing Classroom Rules to Life

School rules. The mere mention of these words can elicit heavy sighs and moans from children and adults alike. Rules order us around. Rules constrict us. "No running, no hitting, no pushing,…
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MAR
31
2023

Discipline Strategies for the End of the Year

For students, spring is an energizing time of the school year. The days are getting longer and the weather is warming up, conjuring the possibilities of summer break. Students who Read More…
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MAR
11
2022

What Kind of Teacher Are You? A Question Revisited

Nine years ago, I wrote a short article to explain to myself what it meant to be a Responsive Classroom teacher (which you can read in its entirety below). Here Read More…
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SEP
24
2021

Empowering Educators to Get to Know Their Students: A Conversation with Authors Andy Moral and Heather Young

Early in the school year, all educators are faced with the same important task: getting to know their new students. To learn some effective strategies for making connections with students Read More…
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DEC
06
2018

Responding to Misbehavior with Empathy

Taking proactive steps to build a strong learning community, with practices like positive teacher language, interactive modeling, and investing students in rules through Hopes and Dreams, does a lot to Read More…
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Teachers Conference Sessions

  Friday, November 9th   Block 1   Full Block Sessions (2 hours)   Session 1.0 | 9:30am – 11:30 am   Impacts of Trauma: How Responsive Classroom Practices Support Read More…
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What is an Individual Written Agreement?

An individual written agreement is a strategy teachers use with children whose behavior persistently interferes with their learning or the classroom’s functioning. It’s an intensive intervention that works by setting Read More…
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Principles & Practices

The Responsive Classroom approach to teaching is comprised of a set of well-designed practices intended to create safe, joyful, and engaging classrooms and school communities. The emphasis is on helping Read More…
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Teaching Children to Care

Turn your vision of respectful, friendly, academically rigorous classrooms into reality. This definitive work about classroom management shows you how to: Set priorities and expectations with children Establish classroom routines Read More…
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