The importance of having high expectations for students is thrown about so often that it’s lost any real meaning. It rolls off the tongue like a royal decree. “Thou maketh high expectations!” On cue, everyone nods along—Oh yes, yes, so important—while afraid to ask … Read more
The culture of teaching demands that you correct every wrong answer for every student for every assignment AND ensure they understand what they did wrong. It’s on you. This is, of course, time-consuming. It’s also stressful and frustrating given that most students don’t seem … Read more
Many years ago, my 4th grade class took part in a school-wide science fair. There were awards for best projects per grade level, best projects overall, and various other categories. The teachers acted as judges. A boy named Seth had what I believed to … Read more
“Can we skip grammar practice just this one time?” “Can we have an extra day to do our homework?” “Can we do 10 math problems today instead of 20?” The requests are followed by a cacophony of sweet and impassioned pleas. “Please Mr. Fluffy! … Read more
You spend precious minutes preparing a great lesson. It seems fun. It’s interactive. It gets students moving. And you’ve got a great story to introduce it. But just as you begin explaining to your class what they’ll actually be doing, you see eye rolls. … Read more
First, a definition. Although you may hear defenders spout limits justifying its use, narration is any talking by the teacher while students are meant to be performing a task that was asked of them. Typically, it sounds like reminding. But it can also be … Read more
Although in the moment it doesn’t seem like a big deal, accepting less than what you ask of your students is a form of failure. It’s a lowering of standards that communicates that you don’t mean what you say. It tells students that they … Read more
What does it matter? Who cares if students wear their pants below their waist or show more skin than you’re comfortable with? As long as it doesn’t interfere with your teaching, what’s the big deal? It’s a style, a fashion statement. It allows them … Read more