Where were you when I explained this?
posted by Sarah @ 5:33 AM
8 Comments
Friday, October 3, 2008
Previous Posts
- You're Late
- How would it change your day if your role were to ...
- I like the way Linda is sitting.
- Check Yourself
- Look at Andrew's Picture
- Thank you for taking a risk
Subscribe to
Comments [Atom]
8 Comments:
I particularly like the phrase, "What is your motivation for asking this question?" I know I am guilty at times of asking questions that I already know the answer to. I need to make a more conscious effort to state my meaning rather than veil it in a question. A statement as to my irritation, frustration, and most importantly expectation would serve better than a question.
I wish someone could come in to our room and count the number of times I hear my name in one day...I bet it'd be off the charts! While I sometimes wish I could say this line to the kids, I realize that sarcasm absolutely is not effective and is not a clear way to convey expectations to our students. I think it's important to calmly state one's own feelings then remind students what the current expectation is. After reading this page and beyond, this book is giving me insight on how a teacher's tone and exact choice of words speaks volumes to our students.
Sometimes rhetorical questions have a purpose, but not when they convey sarcasm or distain, as Val pointed out. Especially with those little ones who have such developmentally short attention spans.
This comment has been removed by the author.
There a quite a few questions like this. It is one of those you say in your head but not out loud. It is kind of like the "You're late" statement. Or other statements that make people feel awful, like, "have you put on a few pounds?" As if the person doesn't already know.
I love the format of this book, because each section is short and allows me time to stop and think about my teaching behavior. I have always made a huge effort to never belittle students or make them feel small. It's one of my main 'rules' for myself as a teacher.
Plus, they could have "been there" when you explained it, but it just didn't quite process! Kids have a lot on their minds too. We all have those kinds of days! ;o
I admit I have done this before out of frustration; most of the time I try to be patient and redirect or let the kids or class figure it out, but I never get upset with kids if they can't remember where they sit. Sometimes it's a week before I see a class again and if they can't remember, I just say "I can't either" and we look at the seating chart together and figure it out.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home