“Things don’t always go according to plan; that’s why adaptability is so important” - Ranal Currie

Your teaching strategies not working like you think they should?

What a bummer!

You think you doing a great job, but the kids aren't learning.

Maybe some of your actions are actually interfering with kids learning.

OVER DEMONSTRATING

Are your teaching strategies not working because you keep demonstrating a skill without letting the students have a go?

Some kids might be to have a go, but you have held them back too long and they have lost interest.

Time for talk is over when you have piqued the interest of the students and they want to have a go on their own.

The best teaching strategies are those that scaffold the students so that they can be wrong without fearing failure.

THINKING THAT ONLY ONE ANSWER IS RIGH

Are your teaching strategies not working because you think you have the only correct answer?

When in fact you might be limiting yourself to your own context.

The children might have a completely different perception. Give them a chance to explain their answers.

Teaching strategies that limit the responses often stop students from exploring alternatives.

Rather than accepting some answers, ask the students to think of more possibilities.

GIVING KIDS ALL THE INFORMATION

Are your teaching strategies not working because you are NOT allowing the students to explore?

The fun of learning is about exploring.

Give the kids to START signal to explore their own learning.

Teaching strategies that provide a range of options from which to find out are the best.

That might mean computer access, books, worksheets even the time to conference with their friends.

The best education doesn't provide all the answers but does provide the ability to explore.

GIVE OUT TOO MANY WORKSHEETS

Are your teaching strategies not working because you are relying on worksheets to do the work for you?

I have said it time and time again!

A worksheet is a TOOL. A worksheet doesn’t make a good lesson just like a hammer doesn’t make a good house.

Want another option?

Check out the versatility of Scruzzles and Grumbles.

STAND OUT THE FRONT FOR TOO LONG

Are your teaching strategies not working because you are anchored to the front of the room?

Get amongst the action. Get where the learning is.

Surprising as it may seem, kids actually value interaction with relief teachers.

Show them you are on a mission – to help them learn.

Make certain your teaching strategies are not holding your students back.

CLICK HERE to find out more about joining the Relief Teaching Academy