Every teacher hits a patch where each day seems to bring the same struggles, sometimes with the same kids, sometimes with different ones. At these moments, teachers may feel like everything is about to derail. How they cope with these behavioral problems, especially at the start of the year, can set the tone for success or failure in the months…

Lying is a symptom of a much broader problem. Primary motivations are need for acceptance, fear of punishment, and desire for attention. Children learn about honesty through observation, both directly and indirectly. Admitting mistakes, especially to children, is invaluable and can help break the lying syndrome. (MT)

Presents three basic tenets of what form the foundation of an effective behavior management system to help beginning teachers at any level, particularly middle school. They include: always listening to the student's side of the story; being consistent in discipline; and knowing when to go higher (e.g., sending the student to the office). (SM)

Described methods teachers may take in order to help students improve their mental health. (RK)

Student misbehavior problems in the classroom today cover a wide spectrum. Ways to deal with and help hostile-aggressive, passive-aggressive, and withdrawn failure-image students are described. A case study of a teacher's dealing with a hostile student is presented. (CJ)