Conscious Classroom Management: Unlocking the Secrets of Great Teaching

This is probably the most useful work on classroom management I have ever encountered. Rick Smith's approach avoids the tedious philosophies of which I saw so much in university and gives a simple, practical view that puts the teacher in charge of the classroom, complete with plenty of ideas on how to respectfully treat kids. This does not spoil the kids but still assumes the best of them, as Smith so often puts it. The book is well-organized by topic and full of examples and ideas that still allow for personal taste and touch. Great book all teachers should read.

This book is by far the best out there for classroom management and how it ties to instructional practice. In clear and practical terms, Rick explains the classroom management strategies and procedures teachers can use to spend a lot more time teaching and a lot less time managing off-task student behaviors. The book is also fun and entertaining to read! I know dozens of teachers who now swear by Rick's approach.

I purchased this book as a materials resource for a graduate course I teach. The book contains many valuable tools for teachers as well as resources and ideas for classroom management, teaching styles and hands-on management methods. Excellent resource.

I've taught for 35 years and I learned dozens of practical techniques and ideas for classroom management from Rick Smith's book and had many ideas reinforced and strengthened. I don't see how a beginning teacher can succeed without help like this and we oldsters can still learn a trick or two. The kids are worth the effort. There are no perfect jobs: my definition of a perfect job is one where you have more good days than bad. Teaching kids is very rewarding and Rick Smith's book can help make it more enjoyable and less stressful. By making the invisible management techniques of master teachers visible, Mr. Smith gives hope to the future of teaching.

Unlike some books on discipline, Smith gives practical solutions to your teaching problems. He tells you what to do to make classroom discipline effortless. When I was observing teachers, I didn't know what to look for because the classes ran smoothly. Smith tells you what good teachers do that seem invisible but in fact make a large difference in how your class runs. I highly recommend this book to those who are lost about classroom management.