View PDF version Mindsets – the way you see yourself and the world around you – can shape your life. When that mindset is about a core concept such as intelligence, its power to shape is even greater. According to Professor Carol Dweck of Stanford University, the originator of mindset theory, the way you think [...]

Joe came to my class in the middle of year 6 – a funny, lively and charismatic boy who loved trains, geography and Man United. He was also a boy who had ADHD. And I very quickly realised that I was out of my depth. His behaviour was a whirlwind of disruption. I was exhausted by the end of the first hour, let alone the first day.

What's the best way to deal with Billie, a show-off with an attitude and a chaotic home life? The Scenario You have a Y6 student called Billie. She’s noisy, chatty and distracts others with silly behaviour. If you challenge her, she’ll debate with you about why she’s right.

Avoiding certain activities because you can't trust your class to behave? You're not the only one... The scenario Meet Rosie. “My class are a nightmare. From the first moment to the last, they are a pain in the proverbial. The only time they’re quiet is when I read to them, but even [...]

An orderly classroom runs on repetition. To start a positive cycle of good behaviour, don’t tell students what you want – show them. Meet Kate. Kate wanted to be a teacher all her life, so when she finally qualified it was a dream come true. She’s now in her second year. However, there’s a problem: she hates it. [...]

Children who struggle with behaviour can find it difficult to discuss how it affects others, so staff at Robin Launder’s pupil referral unit ask them to empathise with fictional characters in similar circumstances instead… We all love a story – here’s a true one about Alex. Alex is disengaged in lessons, can be very disrespectful to staff and [...]

Modelling good behaviour based around routines can minimise the potential for unruly behaviour and ensure that both pupils and teachers enjoy their school day. Meet Naomi. Naomi wanted to be a primary school teacher all her life, so when she finally qualified it was a dream come true. She’s now in her second year. However, there’s a problem: [...]

Establishing a routine whereby your pupils put up their hands every time is pro-thinking, pro-participation and pro-community. It also places in you in control. "Let them call out, I say. It gives the lesson a bit of dynamism and pace. It’s fun. It shows them you’re cool, not a fuddy-duddy.” The person I‘m quoting is me, back when [...]