Why Can't You Behave?: The Teacher's Guide to Creative Classroom Management, K-3
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Paula Rogovin provides insights into why some classes are peaceful and industrious while others are a primary teacher's nightmare in her book 'Why Can't You Behave?'. She shares experiences and offers practical advice and hard-won remedies for handling challenging classroom behaviors. The book is ideal for preservice, new, and veteran teachers, providing techniques to intertwine classroom management and curriculum to improve student behavior, promote a safe cooperative environment, and enhance parent participation to support curricular activities.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways teachers help students listen and learn in the classroom?
Can you think of a time when you felt it was hard to listen? What could have helped?
Why is it important for everyone to follow rules at school?
How do you feel when everyone in class is behaving well?
What are some creative ways you would like to see in your classroom to make learning more fun?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story from your own school days about classroom management. Ask your child to describe their current classroom environment and discuss similarities and differences. Encourage your child to express their feelings and ideas openly, highlighting that their thoughts are important. Reinforce the discussion by relating the book’s themes to your child’s daily experiences at school. Wrap up by brainstorming together fun and respectful ways to enhance classroom learning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the impact of actions
Explanation: The book illustrates through various classroom scenarios how students' behaviors can affect themselves and others.
Real-World Application: Children learn to reflect on their actions and see how they influence the classroom environment, encouraging them to make positive choices.
Example Lesson: Importance of cooperation
Explanation: Through interactive activities and group work, the book teaches the value of working together towards common goals.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children apply teamwork skills not only in academic settings but also in everyday interactions with peers and family members.
Example Lesson: Developing empathy
Explanation: The book includes stories and examples where students learn to understand and respect the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children can use these skills to build stronger, more empathetic relationships with those around them, fostering a supportive community.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Through conflict resolution stories, children learn different strategies to solve disputes effectively and respectfully.
Real-World Application: Equipped with these skills, children can handle disagreements in school or during play, promoting a peaceful and inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one's own actions
Explanation: The book emphasizes accountability by showing consequences of good and bad behavior in a classroom setting.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to take ownership of their actions, which is crucial for personal development and integrity both in and out of school.