What Do You Say When...?

Do you remember a time when you used the right words at the right moment, and they made all the difference? With the aim of helping you repeat that experience every day, this book provides hundreds of examples of what we call “Best Practice Language” (BPL), a research-based technique designed to help teachers use words to improve student behavior – in the classroom and beyond.

In their years of working at the K-12 levels, educators Hal Holloman and Peggy H. Yates have identified the exact phrases and key words you can use to handle: recurring disruptions, inappropriate outbursts, and students’ low self-confidence, among other classroom realities. BPL will enable you to:



Set your expectations clearly on the first day of school
Prevent and resolve conflicts between students
Create a safe haven for shy, apprehensive students
Establish meaningful relationships with students built on trust
Help students foster a respect for themselves, their peers, and for adults
Maintain a positive classroom environment that encourages personal responsibility

Whether you're a new teacher, a veteran teacher, a pre-service teacher, or school administrator, the tools in this book will help you use words effectively, in ways that resonate with students and provide them with clear and promising direction.