Teacher Tip Tuesday: Connect!
One of the ways I think I can most effectively reach my students, is to connect with them. I try to do this in every subject, every day.
Our first social studies unit this year was a bit difficult, simply because it was hard to connect the students to the period of history we were studying. They didn't have much prior knowledge about the peoples we studied, but we made connections where we could and talked more about how to memorize and study.
On the other hand, in English class, we had a talk about how they play soccer (most of my students are on the school soccer team.) I told them grammar is MY game, and they know the rules, therefore they need to play by the rules. To have years of lessons about nouns and verbs, then not be able to find them in a simple sentence is like playing soccer for years, but not playing a game well.
In math class, I tell them how we can use math in everyday life. Perimeter is great when you put a border up in your bedroom. You've gotta know area to get a great carpet or know how much paint to buy. If you can make change, you'll be the star employee at your first job!
In religion class, I share my stories of doubt, regret, forgiveness, and faith. I never have seen a yawn when I'm relating my faith to them.
If they see a personal connection, they think the subject does matter for more than just the next quiz or test.
Our first social studies unit this year was a bit difficult, simply because it was hard to connect the students to the period of history we were studying. They didn't have much prior knowledge about the peoples we studied, but we made connections where we could and talked more about how to memorize and study.
On the other hand, in English class, we had a talk about how they play soccer (most of my students are on the school soccer team.) I told them grammar is MY game, and they know the rules, therefore they need to play by the rules. To have years of lessons about nouns and verbs, then not be able to find them in a simple sentence is like playing soccer for years, but not playing a game well.
In math class, I tell them how we can use math in everyday life. Perimeter is great when you put a border up in your bedroom. You've gotta know area to get a great carpet or know how much paint to buy. If you can make change, you'll be the star employee at your first job!
In religion class, I share my stories of doubt, regret, forgiveness, and faith. I never have seen a yawn when I'm relating my faith to them.
If they see a personal connection, they think the subject does matter for more than just the next quiz or test.
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