Tips from David Harding

From Teach

as suggested by David Harding 8th December 2009

Contents 1 Establishing my presence at the start 2 Use a Settler Activity 3 Call the Register 4 If interrupted by a question during my exposition

Establishing my presence at the start

• I need to get comfortable in my classroom before I admit them -- i.e. signing on to PC, writing up title, date and learning objectives.
• Stand by the door with the seating plan.
• As each pupil comes in, direct them to their seat and tell them to do the settler activity.

Use a Settler Activity

• If a difficult class, give them something from the board (e.g. a PowerPoint slide) to copy as soon as they arrive.
  • Gives you a chance to speak to individuals.
  • Could have a starter as well, but there are times when the three-part Lesson Plan is not appropriate.

Call the Register

• It may slow the pace of the lesson, but if I am comfortable with the process and it helps to calm the pupils down, call the register early on.

If interrupted by a question during my exposition

• Never take the question.
  • Can ignore it, or can remind the questioner of the rule: "That's a great question, but you didn't raise your hand first. I may come to your question later."