"An idea is salvation by imagination" - Frank Lloyd Wright
Susan's high expectations for her students sometimes led to some frustrating moments. She taught seventh grade and found she was raising her voice frequently just to get the students' attention. Susan hated to yell. It wasn't in her nature, and it was extremely frustrating. Although it had some shock value, mostly it just gave her a sore throat.
Susan needed a better way to get her students' attention - something that would do the job without the stress. She had always thought she had good control of her class. Now she wasn't quite sure. There had to be a better way.
Later that week she attended a workshop with 200 other teachers. Many of the teachers hadn't seen each other in quite some time, and the initial visiting created quite a commotion.
The workshop leader, impervious to the noise, announced in a normal voice, "If you can hear my voice, clap twice."
Then, as the clamor decreased, she said, "If you can hear my voice, clap three times." After a smattering of applause, the room fell silent.
That simple demonstration of control was exactly what Susan was looking for. She couldn't wait to apply it to her own classes that very next week.
Open your imagination to new and creative measures to capture the attention of your class. Learn to diffuse frustrations by placing your energies into seeking positive, active solutions.
Prompt: Some creative ways I can get the attention of my class are . . .
It seems as if I am always yelling this year to get the attention of my classes and if I try to get the class attention by quietly talking then, what happens is a student will yell. I like this suggestion! I also thought that maybe I need to get a chime of some sort!
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