Veronica+Otto

Veronica Otto

The same two or three students try to answer all questions that you ask.

If only two or three students are willing to actively participate, I would put strips of paper in a container with the students names on them. When the class comes in and gets settled at their desks, I would begin the period by announcing that that we were going to play "Grab Bag Answer." The name I pick out of the container will be the one to answer the question. Because the students will not know if they will be called on, they will have to come to class prepared. I will also keep a check list of who actually can answer the questions when called on. This will be part of their participation grade. I never want students to think that they will not have to do the work because the other students will be called on and they can just blend in to their surroundings. It is important for students to be engaged, and I want them to feel as if they have a fair shot at sharing their thoughts, ideas as well as their answers.

Nancy is reading a book. You asked her earlier to put it away and she did, but now it's out again.

This scenario makes me think of my kids. One of my daughters was caught with her outside reading text inside her math book when she was in third grade. When she was in sixth grade, she got caught reading a book when she was supposed to be doing something else. The teacher asked her to put the book away, and she looked up at her and replied, "But I am at a really good part." Her teacher replied that she understood, but that it was class time and the book had to be put away.

I would walk by Nancy's desk and ask her to please give me the book, and tell her that she can pick it up once class is over. When I meet with her after class, I will tell her that I am really pleased that she is passionate about reading, but that when she is with me, the book has to be put away unless I say it is time for silent reading. The last thing I want to do is discourage a child from reading, but they do need to understand that there is a time and place for everything. I will share with her that I love to read too, but that I do it when all of my work is done. Maybe when she is done reading that book, she could share her thoughts about it with me. This could create a connection with the student.