Sometimes it is easier, and more fun, to encourage children to speak by intentionally making mistakes so that they can correct them. For example, if you are reviewing the names of different fruits with children, instead of holding up an apple and saying, “What’s this?” you can hold up an apple and say, “Ooh look, a banana. I love bananas!” The children will excitedly say, “Nooo!!! Apple!” or, “No, that’s an apple!” You can then say, “Oh, you’re right! It is an apple. Thank you. I like apples...do you like apples?”
3. Remember the Good, Learn from the Bad
It’s very easy to go home after a tough day in the classroom focusing on everything that went wrong, blaming yourself, and feeling like you are not a very good teacher. Most teachers experience those feelings at one point or another. While it’s important to take some time to reflect on what went wrong so that you can learn from the experience, it’s also important to remember everything that went right!
Keep a notebook of all the little things that go well in your classes (even when you have a “bad day”). It will help you focus on the positive and can become an invaluable tool when lesson planning for future classes.
Keep a notebook of all the little things that go well in your classes (even when you have a “bad day”). It will help you focus on the positive and can become an invaluable tool when lesson planning for future classes.