Book Review: The Classroom Management Secret

If you are looking to “up” your classroom management game, there are many helpful, research-based resources on the market. They vary in approach, therefore you have to choose the one that you believe fits your classroom management style the best.

To do that, read my book summaries and reviews to determine which classroom management plan is best for you.

I first discovered Michael Linsin and The Classroom Management Secret through his blog at Smart Classroom Management. If you haven’t visited his website, I highly recommend it.

If you are a no-nonsense teacher who likes things simple and to the point (like me), this is the classroom management plan for you!

While The Classroom Management Secret can be implemented in all classrooms K-12, I feel it is best for grades 3 and up. A core belief of the author is that giving rewards in exchange for good behavior is a mistake and only improves behavior in the short term. Rewards do not change behavior in the long run and make classroom management more difficult. For long-lasting behavior improvement, create a classroom that nurtures intrinsic motivation.

The Perfectly Grown Perspective on The Classroom Management Secret

I agree with this in theory; the older your students are, the more this can be your core philosophy. For younger students, K-5, a rewards system has value, and allowing students to work towards a goal has its benefits.

Whole group and individual reward systems that allow students to earn opportunities like extra recess, classroom free time, a positive phone call home, lunch with the teacher, and sitting next to a friend in class, can help to foster a positive classroom culture. I am not a believer in the rewards that have students picking trinkets from a treasure box or passing out candy. There can be a middle ground.

You CAN foster intrinsic motivation AND give students a reward goal to work towards that can contribute to a positive classroom environment.

I DO NOT want to reveal the SECRET in The Classroom Management Secret. You will need to read the book for yourself, but there are a lot of great TIPS from this management program.

NOW grab a copy of The Classroom Management Secret, so you can learn the secret for yourself!