Everything I Learned About Classroom Management I Learned in Puppy Class: A Guide to Positive Behavior Management in the Classroom - Paperback

by Shellie A. Harshberger (Author)

What if the best lessons about classroom management came from puppy class?

Everything I Learned About Classroom Management I Learned in Puppy Class offers a practical and engaging approach to building structured, supportive learning environments where students can thrive.

At first glance, the title may make you smile. This book is intentionally tongue-in-cheek. Students are not dogs, and classrooms are not obedience schools. Still, the principles that help a puppy feel safe, supported, and ready to learn closely mirror what students need most.

Grounded in nearly two decades of classroom experience, this book focuses on two essential ideas: how students feel in the environment we create, and the consistency of the expectations we reinforce each day. Rather than relying on quick fixes or rigid systems, it provides a thoughtful framework for creating classrooms where students are motivated to engage, persist, and take ownership of their learning.

Inside, you'll discover practical strategies to:

• Establish clear routines and expectations that support learning
• Create positive behavior systems that encourage engagement
• Build strong relationships while maintaining clear boundaries
• Foster a classroom environment where students feel safe, respected, and supported

While the examples are rooted in a high school classroom, the principles extend across learning environments from kindergarten through college, making this a valuable resource for educators at any level.

Whether you are a new teacher developing your approach or an experienced educator refining your practice, this book offers practical insights you can apply immediately to create a classroom where both structure and connection lead to meaningful learning.