Yesterday, while stopped at a traffic light, I saw a dancing cow. This cow not only danced; it waved its front legs and pointed its hooves! I have to admit I was “udder-ly” taken in by the heifer’s high level of energy and enthusiasm. The cow’s delightful dance made me smile. It also gave me a sudden hankering for a sandwich, which I’m guessing is exactly what the cow’s sponsor hoped would happen. As I drove off, I began to contemplate what kind of dancing cow I would be. (I realize how odd this must sound. But here’s my secret—I’ve always wanted to slip into costume and impersonate a mascot or cartoon character. Crazy, huh?) Then it hit me! I AM a dancing cow! For years and years I’ve used my energy, my enthusiasm, and some very unique song-and-dance routines to keep students hungry for learning. How cool is that? I know it’s probably unlikely that being a dancing cow is of major interest to you. I do, however, believe that being a successful teacher is. I also believe that the difference between a good teacher and a great teacher can depend on the way skills are delivered and practiced. So now it’s your turn! What have you learned about skill delivery during your teaching career? How do you keep students engaged? Please share!
Happily,
Diane
This year my class responds really well to songs, poems and little chants to get the point across.This class also needs a lot of movement activities. It seems every year is different. I find that it works for me to find what helps the class learn. Last year my class loved stories. If we ever had an issue that needed attention I found a story that dealt with that issue.
we love making puppets of all sorts in my classroom. that is one of our favorite things to do. Because when we get through making our puppets them we put on a little play, its usually a pretty silly play but its all fun and games we love it
I love singing. I have found that children do to.
I use songs to teach my students. This week we quickly learned the five senses through song:) Their parents are amazed when their child comes home singing a new tune each week. One parent told me that she taught her son his lunch number by putting it to a tune. We sing to learn!
When I taught preschool, I always ran the classroom through song. The children loved it, and responded enthusiastically. We had a beginning song for circle time, a clean-up song (both on cd), an end-of-nap song (also on cd), and then I sang various songs to them and taught them ones as well. After a few months of having one student in my class, her mom came to pick her up (the dad usually picked her up) and said, “It’s so nice to meet you! My daughter was singing the other day and I asked her where she learned the song from. She said that her teacher sings and taught it to her! She loves your songs!”