Have you ever wondered why some teaching strategies just seem to work for classroom success, even if you don’t really understand why? I’ve been thinking about how important it is to explain the “why” behind rules and expectations, and how it can make a real difference in connecting with our students.
The Insight
This idea really clicked for me while raising my toddler. In a moment of frustration, he kept asking for something repeatedly, and I assumed he just didn’t know what he wanted. I started telling him to “use his words,” assuming he knew how to do it. I caught myself feeling frustrated, but then I paused and thought, “I don’t want him to feel my frustration.”
So, I took a step back and tried to figure out how I could help him express what he wanted. Instead of letting my frustration take over, I decided to ask him questions I knew he could answer. I asked, “What color is it?” and he said “blue.” Right then, I realized he wanted the blue lid to his bottle. He didn’t know the word “lid,” so I was able to say “blue lid,” teaching him the word he needed.
That moment was a breakthrough for me. By pausing and being intentional, I found a way to connect with him and teach him something new. Every teacher’s dream!
Why It Matters for Classroom Success
This realization got me thinking about how this applies to the classroom. As teachers, we sometimes assume students understand why we’re asking them to do something or what we expect from them. When we don’t explain the “why,” students might make assumptions based on their own experiences. Some might think I’m just being strict, while others might see it as a way to show I care. But more than likely, they’ll just be neutral about it. So why not use it as an opportunity to show that we really do care? By taking the time to explain our rules, we help them see the intention behind them, making them feel understood and supported.
Practical Strategies for Teachers
Here are some ways you can bring this insight into your classroom:
1. Explain the Reasoning: Whenever you introduce a rule or expectation, take a moment to explain why it’s important. This helps students see the bigger picture and understand your intentions.
Example: “We line up quietly so everyone can hear important announcements and stay safe. Plus, it helps us start our next activity smoothly!”
2. Encourage Questions: Especially at the beginning of the year, this is the perfect opportunity to naturally say, “Is everybody clear on the expectations?” Invite your students to ask questions about the rules and have open discussions. This shows them that their voices matter and builds trust.
Example: “Does anyone have questions about why we need to put our supplies back neatly? Let’s talk about how it helps everyone find what they need quickly.”
3. Model Positive Framing: Focus on what you want students to do, rather than what you don’t want. Frame expectations positively to guide their behavior in a supportive way.
Example: Instead of saying, “Don’t run in the hallway,” you could say, “Remember to walk calmly in the hallway.”
By being intentional about explaining the “why” behind our actions, we can create a classroom environment that fosters understanding, support, and growth.
Your Turn!
Have you had a moment where you paused and thought, “There has got to be a better way to handle this”? How did you resolve it? I would love to hear about it! Share your stories and insights in the comments below!
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