Ep 153: The Power of Positive Language in the Classroom with Heather Lyon

New Teacher Talk

What if changing just a few words could transform your entire classroom management approach? Join us as district administrator, author, and blogger Heather Lyon reveals how the simple shift from "No running" to "Walk please" can revolutionize student behavior and classroom dynamics.

Inspired by a classic "Who's the Boss?" episode where "No parking" became "Park elsewhere," Lyon shares the science behind why positive language works better than negative commands. Drawing on research from parenting expert Alana Pace, she explains how our brains process positive directions more efficiently, requiring less mental gymnastics from students who are already navigating countless rules and expectations.

This isn't about avoiding discipline or being overly permissive, it’s about providing crystal-clear guidance that helps establish your authority as a new teacher. Lyon offers four actionable strategies: reframing classroom rules positively, practicing positive corrections, maintaining consistent language, and modeling this approach with colleagues.

Whether you're struggling with classroom management or simply want to refine your communication skills, this episode provides immediately applicable techniques that will make your instructions clearer, your students more responsive, and your teaching more effective.

Perfect for new teachers, student teachers, and veteran educators looking to enhance their classroom communication.

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