Feel Free to Smile: The behaviour management survival guide for new teachers

Nikki Cunningham-Smith offers practical strategies, tips, and quick fixes for dealing with difficult behavior and keeping your cool in testing situations, based on her experience as a teacher and contributions from fellow professionals.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 10 June 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

When bad behavior threatens to derail lessons and undermine teaching, it's easy to feel like you've run out of solutions. Enter: Nikki Cunningham-Smith. With her comforting sense of humor, wealth of experience, and ability to see positives in even the most nightmarish of classroom scenarios, Nikki encourages early career teachers to reflect on their practice, take care of their mental health, and implement behavior management strategies that really work.

Feel Free to Smile draws on anecdotes from Nikki's time as a teacher in alternative provision settings, as well as contributions from fellow professionals and current NQTs such as Ross Morrison McGill, Vivienne Porritt, Kemi Oloyede, and Sarah Mullin. It provides practical strategies, tips, and quick fixes for dealing with difficult behavior and keeping your cool in testing situations. With advice on all aspects of behavior, as well as reflective questions and space to jot down your thoughts, this book is the perfect companion if you're feeling daunted by challenging behavior and looking for an experienced voice to help lead the way.

Nikki's approach is grounded in her belief that every child deserves a positive learning experience, and she offers practical tips and strategies for creating a safe and supportive classroom environment. She also emphasizes the importance of self-care for teachers, and provides advice on how to manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of building strong relationships with students. Nikki shares stories of successful classroom management strategies that have helped her build trust and rapport with her students, and she encourages teachers to use these techniques to create a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Another important aspect of the book is the use of behavior management strategies that are evidence-based and effective. Nikki provides examples of different behavior management strategies, and explains how to implement them in a way that is respectful and supportive of students. She also emphasizes the importance of using behavior management strategies that are tailored to the individual needs of students, and that take into account their cultural and social backgrounds.

Throughout the book, Nikki shares personal anecdotes and insights that have helped her navigate the challenges of teaching. She offers advice on how to deal with difficult parents, challenging students, and stressful situations, and provides tips on how to stay motivated and inspired in the face of adversity.

Feel Free to Smile is a valuable resource for early career teachers who are looking to improve their classroom management skills and create a positive learning environment for their students. With its practical strategies, tips, and anecdotes, the book provides a wealth of information and inspiration for teachers who are feeling overwhelmed or daunted by the challenges of teaching. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned veteran, this book is sure to help you feel more confident and effective in your teaching practice.

Weight: 234g
Dimension: 138 x 216 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472984487