Comments on: When you Can’t Talk, You Can Still Teach

By: julie

julie — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 03:18:23 +0000

OK, I’m dying laughing! I just moved into a new school with computer-projector capability. I teach 6th graders, and I can hardly wait until I lose my voice this year (it is inevitable).

By: tweenteacher

tweenteacher — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:47:36 +0000

Well said, Jodi!
Their respect for you and the support that you give them sometimes comes in the least likely of times. Thanks for commenting. Check in again!
-Heather WG
aka Tweenteacher

By: Jodi

Jodi — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:34:00 +0000

Manda, I agree with what you said about students’ behavior when you are sick. I’ve been teaching for nine years, and find myself coming to work “slightly-sick” several times a year. I always find that they almost feel sorry for me and sympathize with my state of weakness. It’s nice to know that on those days when I can barely imagine mustering up the energy for discipline, that I wont have to.

By: Tweenteacher

Tweenteacher — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:50:41 +0000

Report back how it all goes! Thanks for checking in and commenting. Hope to hear from you again.
-Heather
aka Tweenteacher

By: Tweenteacher

Tweenteacher — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:48:43 +0000

Using visual cues rather than auditory ones is a great way to mix up what you’re asking them to do. They end up more engaged in the “what’s-he-going-to-do-next?” sort of way. It’s great to be a teacher that keeps them on their toes not out of fear but out of mere, “anything could happen here” excitement. Thanks for your comment!
-Heather
aka Tweenteacher

By: Amber

Amber — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 07:10:36 +0000

This CRACKED me up… I teach 6th graders and wow, is everything you said TRUE! What is even more funny is that I JUST lost my voice due to a mild bout of the flu… Can’t wait to try and use some of these techniques.

I actually laughed out loud at the part where you had to type, “Jose, throw that away…” ONLY A TEACHER CAN RELATE!

By: mrC

mrC — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:51:59 +0000

Years ago, one of my classes thought I had been mean to them (they were a little sensitive), and they decided one day to give me the silent treatment. They refused to talk during the entire period; they help up little signs when they had questions or comments. I told them it was one of the most relaxing periods I’d ever had. The next day I went silent on them. I just pointed at directions on the overhead (my only tech at the time) or at the clock, or waved the book around. I also did a lot of pantomiming, and eyebrow raising, and other such shtuff. The funny part was that they all thought I was so mad at them I couldn’t speak. They thought I was going to snap at any moment and, I don’t know, do them bodily harm or something.

Great ideas. I’m ready to go silent again. Thanks.

By: heather

heather — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 02:33:38 +0000

I know. We get really good at the art of the eyebrow-speak. Non-readers also happen in middle school (sadly) but I also use many icons and symbols. It’s actually a great way to teach symbolism. Also, check out that Edutopia link from the post for great tips on why sign language in the classroom is a very useful tool. I’ve used it in the past for kids to ask for water, bathroom, show confusion, etc…in a non-distracting way. Thanks for commenting, Karen!
-Heather
aka Tweenteacher

By: heather

heather — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 02:30:17 +0000

I am totally going to use your “germs” line! Thanks so much for sharing. Check in again!
-Heather
aka Tweenteacher

By: Karen Gawron

Karen Gawron — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 21:47:35 +0000

Losing my voice has happened only once, my first year of teaching. It was 3rd grade. I recall a lot of writing directions on the board and pointing. For the non-readers (sometimes still happens in 3rd grade), volunteers were directed to read and reread for the whole class. Management still happens. Students still needed the teacher to maintain structure and control. Lots of dramatic looks, gestures, and neck jerks.
P.S. Love the updated website. Looks great!

By: Manda

Manda — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 19:09:27 +0000

I’ve done the same thing with the computer and projector WAY too many times to count! This is my 6th year teaching, but it’s the first year I haven’t lost my voice during the first week!

Classroom management problems cease to exist when I’m “slightly-sick,” too. You know, those days when you feel stupid for calling in sick, but you’re really not well enough to be teaching 32 thirteen-year-olds about logical fallacies. All I have to do is post a note saying “I’ll keep my germs to myself as long as possible, but if you fool around I’ll have to come to your desk to figure out what’s going on.”

By: tweenteacher

tweenteacher — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 16:59:22 +0000

I could probably learn from both of you. Thanks so much for your comment.
-Heather

By: tweenteacher

tweenteacher — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:29:27 +0000

I agree, Nancy. It’s just another way to throw in another modality. I’ve been tempted in the past to just do it as if I couldn’t talk, but I also think it words because the students are authentically taking care of me, their class, and each other. Thanks for the comment, as always.
-Heather

By: Nancy Flanagan

Nancy Flanagan — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:38:38 +0000

Early-in-the-year laryngitis has been a traditional hassle for me, too. Imagine having zero voice in front of 65 middle schoolers holding musical instruments…

Actually, I am amazed at how good my students were when I couldn’t talk to them. It shifts their perception habits toward the visual. For kids who depend on someone telling them how to do something, they’re interpreting it through sight. It makes them more aware of subtle cues that they normally ignore in a loud, directed world.

By: tweenteacher

tweenteacher — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:29:40 +0000

Absolutely right. Check out Judy Willis’ research on tween and teen brain development and how keeping them guessing, surprises, spontaneity, and shaking it up a little always keeps them engaged. This leads to information being embedded more frequently into long-term memory. Thanks for the comment and the tweets!
-Heather

By: Robyn's online world

Robyn's online world — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 11:52:19 +0000

Great ideas. Even thou just have one student, my teen son, I think I could use these ideas just for a change of pace