I have read studies where teachers have
commented about children’s lack of hand strength. We would incorporate the
physical and the mental for the balance needed to learn and grow long term.
I wanted to
teach them balance and the importance of the journey. The kids loved the
change, and embraced the new learning technique. It was a fun thing to do. They
were engaged. We had a base for growth. Let’s play.
When I was
doing just a day long sub I used to tell the kids: "Give me 35 minutes of work and I will
reward you with 5 minutes of free time at the end of class." This paradigm served me well, but as always,
there are some things that just do not go as planned and you have to adjust on
the fly. But as their trust in my ways grew, more and more kids wanted to
embrace this paradigm. Some even commenting, “Mr. Stanley we want to learn.” "Mr.
Stanley, we believe you.” “Mr. Stanley, this is good.”
There was a saying I thought up for the kids
and related it to the children at the beginning of my first class. After a
while kids requested it from me at the beginning of class. Children have an
innate desire to learn and grow. I just add the fuel. Here is the saying.
“I’m a huge
believer in choice. I can’t force you to study nor do I want to. But I can and will
create an atmosphere in this classroom for those children who want to study and
learn, can do so in peace and quiet. The deck is stacked, the game is rigged. I’m
going to win. I’ve seen me do it. It’s not my job to decide when, how, or even
if the educational light goes on for you, my goal is to just keep flipping the
switch.”
I also
taught them a handshake. It is the same handshake I taught my players and other
students. It’s called “The peace of mind is victory” handshake. You take the
first two fingers in your right hand and make the “V” for victory sign palm up.
The other person does the same thing palm down. You then slide your fingers
over their fingers in a quick snap motion. Kids like it.
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