Talk Tip: Teacher-Parent-Person by Chick Moorman

Sept/October
Talk Tip: Teacher-Parent -Person by Chick Moorman

Excerpted from The Response-Able

Educator Newsletter #33

“If we insist on looking at the rainbow

of intelligence through a single filter,

many minds will erroneously seem devoid of light.” ––Renee Fuller

• Beware of asking questions to which you already know the answers.

“Do you know where your seat is?”

“What did I just tell you?”

“Haven’t you started yet?”

These questions are thinly veiled ridicule in action. They mock and publicly embarrass. These are not questions that require answers. In fact, if a child did answer one of these questions, he or she would likely be thought of as disrespectful. Consider the following exchange:

“Do you know where your seat is?”

“Yes, it’s the third one in the fourth row”

Actually, it’s the teacher/parent who is disrespectful when he/she asks such ridiculing questions. In doing so, the teacher has initiated a power struggle and is asking for escalation. Instead of asking a mocking question, make a statement that clearly details what you want.

“I want you in your seat now, Susan.”

“I notice you are forgetting what I just told you, Robert. I expect you to turn fully around and give me your attention now.”

“I see that eight minutes have gone by and there is no writing on your paper. This would be a good time to get going.”

By stating your wants clearly, without ridicule, you increase your chances that students will do what you want. You also reduce the odds that a power struggle will develop.

Remember: Avoid asking questions to which you already know the answers.

To find out more about books, tapes, and materials by Chick Moorman, contact him (toll-free) 877-360-1477 or ipp57@aol.com www.chickmoorman.com

Sept/October

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