the classroom...
I have often used the analogy that teaching is like stand up comedy. You had better get your audiences attention very quickly or you will lose them. Also, you better not use the same material too often because then you are predictable.
Very true!! I find that students no matter what age will drift off into outerspace at times. I will usually crack some joke related to our topic to pull them back to earth.
I have an app on my phone that sends me an awesome trivial tidbit each day. I open each class session with a trivial tidbit. After all, everyone should know that "in India, people are legally allowed to marry a dog," right?! My students look forward to the tidbit each and every class period. If I forget to share it with them, they remind me :-)
Hi Jolene,
This kinds of class starters are great. No matter the ages of students they like things like this. They look forward to them because they help them to relax as the class is getting underway. By them reminding you when you forget to share a tidbit you know they enjoy them. Good strategy for setting the stage for a successful class.
Gary
I love words and vocabulary. It always interest my students when I use a word, often deliberately, that they may not be familiar with. Sometimes I will tell them what it means, its origins etc., but other times, I have them look it up as a tiny assignment worth a tiny sum of points. I have had many students smile big as they use the word as often as applicable. Some of them have even kept lists of new words they have added to their vocabulary in my classes.
Hi Judith,
This is such a great way to get students interested in learning new words and expanding their communication abilities. Sounds like a fun class for everyone.
Gary
