There’s a wise Quaker saying that
applies to coaching: “Never miss an opportunity to keep your mouth shut.”
You know about wait time – you’re a
pro at it with kids. The next time you’re coaching, do a self-check on how you
do with teachers.
After asking a question, give teachers
the gift of time and receptivity. Sit down. Make eye contact. Don’t appear rushed
or make the teacher feel rushed. When they pause, don’t be quick to give a
response. Instead, ask them to, “Say
more about that.” Or say, “Yes, go on.”
Or just pause and offer silence.
It sounds easy, but listening and
waiting can be hard work! As we give our
attention to teachers’ thinking, we give them space to reflect. We give them
space to wonder. We give them space to generate new ideas.
After the teacher has had a chance to
think things through, enter in and reflect back what you heard. Paraphrase those new ideas. Restate what they
seem interested in or excited about.
It can be hard work to keep your mouth
shut – but the coaching rewards are worth it!
This
week, you might want to take a look at:
A
10-minute podcast about creating meaningful learning experiences (for teachers
and students):
Questions
worth considering about coaching ethics:
When reading response becomes a task:
Giving students checklists to keep
them focused:
Ways students can use Pinterest in the
classroom:
That’s
it for this week. Happy Coaching!
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