Teacherscribe's Teaching Tip #1

Teacherscribe Teaching Tip #1

For the love of God, don’t have kids write about what they did over the summer.  It’s not like they (or for that matter, us, when we were their ages) haven’t written about that one before.

Yes, the prompt has merit.  But there are so many other things you can do on the first day.

For the love of God #2 - don’t go over your syllabus for the entire block.  Is there anything worse than sitting in class and hearing the teacher drone on (in that horrible 'teacher voice' no less)  45 minutes into the block, “Now, students . . .” (you’re cringing already, aren’t you?  You know that condescending voice that I’m describing) “Turn to page four of your syllabus.  Section 3, article 2.  All late work will be half credit . . .”  

Okay.  I’m over-exaggerating.  But we all went into our content areas because (hopefully) we love them.

For peete’s sake! I teach English.  The damn best subject on earth!

Why would I waste 45 minutes of class going over the syllabus?

There are half a dozen ways I could do that.

Why not just jump in to the most interesting aspect of my subject?

How about handing out “The Lottery” and telling my kids, “Man, this is the story that made me want to be an English teacher!  I can’t wait to see what you think of this story!”

Take a chance.  Engage your kids.  Inspire them.  Teach like a pirate . . . or a Prowler.