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Don't Ask

One teacher issues commands, not requests, to get all students' attention -- and compliance.

 

"I try to issue instructions in the form of a command, not a question. Some students interpret 'Would you open your math books to page 45?' as a choice. But when I skip 'would you,' all books are opened. The same is true with my own children. 'Why don't you wash up for dinner now?' never results in clean hands."

-Karen Sunderhaft, fourth-grade teacher, Shaker Heights, Ohio

1 Comments:

  • Posted by Amy2838 - Jan 24 2008 @ 2:48 PM
    Good Advise...Sometimes
    This is good advise for when you want to be clear about getting across your expectations, especially to a large group of kids. Kids need to know exactly what is expected of them without having to guess. However, it is important to remember that kids (especially ADD kids) need to feel like they have a choice in some matters, no matter how insignificant it may seem to you. Giving kids a sense of "control" over certain aspects of their lives can make the part of their lives they can't control a little more tolerable. Give them choices every chance you get, and your "orders" won't seem so dictatorial.
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