Teacher Tip Tuesday: Ask!
In my current employment, I’m blessed to be able to work with educators and coaches from all over the country with all levels of experience. Last week, I asked some of them what their “Teacher Tip” is - the instructional strategy or piece of wisdom they have gained throughout their time teaching. I received so many wonderful suggestions, which I’ll share below. But I also thought of another teacher tip for you: Ask. Seek out other educators and ask them what their teaching tip is. You may be surprised by what you hear!
Take Turns Being the Teacher: When explaining examples, tell the students they are going to be the teacher. Show some examples correctly and some incorrectly. Then ask the students to give feedback on whether you’re right or wrong. Ask: “Tell me what I got wrong.” or “What did I do well?”
Name Spinner: To increase engagement and participation, use a name spinner (like this one) to randomize the students you are calling on.
Empower Collaboration: Look for creative ways to have students collaborate with each other, using intentional questions and tasks to promote student learning.
Respectful Correction: No matter how busy the day is, always provide correction in private with a student. Look for ways to have a meaningful conversation.
“I Notice”: Be intentional about sharing positive, authentic “I notice” statements throughout your day.
Student “Access”: Plan your lessons through a lens of “student access.” Think: Do my students have the ability to connect and engage with what I’m teaching? Is it relatable? Can my students access the information I am teaching them? If not, what can I do differently to create paths for success and access?
