Take yourself back to that feeling of finding a seat in the school cafeteria. I remember walking out, holding my tray, looking up and looking down at the same time- really hoping I’d have a place to sit- someone who wanted to sit next to me or at least allow me to sit peacefully. It’s…
Really good questions are treasures. When you ask a question that brings a quizzical look, a question that rouses reflection- that is the stuff of life. We focus on the art of listening- as we well should. But with curiosity and potent questions, listening becomes completely natural. When we want to know people, we ask…
Okay, so maybe it’s a fist pump, an elbow bump, a nod of the head- but teach people how to greet people. This is certainly closely related to my last post about noticing people. This is a great step towards learning about your students, and teaching them to learn about each other. I would line…
It took me while to understand that what I want to create in my classroom is the feeling my Mom gave me when I walked into the house. I am so glad you’re here. Your presence will lift this space. She didn’t just make me feel that way. My Mom made everyone who walked in…
I tell my students that whispering is one of the secrets we learn in teaching school. It is such a beautiful thing. I am not a proponent of a silent classroom. But there are times when you need quiet to give a direction or redirect and return to focus. When the class needs quieting or…