Feb 7, 2011

2-7-11

I know that "they" say not to talk over people when teaching/giving instructions, but I think I'm going to leave room for on-task chit chat. At any rate, I'm done with sucking all the fun out of 8th grade by being a police officer at the front of the room instead of a teacher.

Student today asked if I was wearing contacts. That confused me for a second because I do not own contacts. Then I realized that I forgot my teacher disguise (a pair of über weak glasses) at home. These kids don't miss a thing.

My Do Now question for the day involved the students writing down a question that they might want to pursue for their science fair project. As I walked around, I saw that students had some really exciting and creative ideas. When I asked for a share-out, though, everyone was shy/uninterested in participating. So much for that. I need to find a way to make share-outs actually important and useful. I need for them to share out so they can hear each others' ideas and so their classmates and I can give public feedback.


2 comments:

Unknown said...

I write students' names on the end of popsicle sticks, put them name down in a paper cup then pull them out randomly to get students to "volunteer" in class. Once they see that it is safe to share, maybe they will not be so reluctant. Or, as you are walking around and spot a good idea, ask them privately if they would share..."Jane, that's a really good idea! Would you mind sharing it with the class?"

abril said...

That's a great idea... I definitely want to prepare students to share with the class by telling them quietly ahead of time that it'll be their turn to share. it can be nerve-wracking to be called on when you weren't anticipating it.

Thanks for your help, Katherine!