Never underestimate the power of making eye contact with your students. All too often we get so involved in our day, that we rarely take the time to look our students in the eye. I’ll never forget the time during my first year teaching when I explained this elaborate task to my class of fourth graders and set them to work, only to discover than nearly every student in the class had no idea what to do once I’d released them from their seats.
I was dumb struck. Thoughts like, “How could you not know what to do? I was just explaining the directions for the last five minutes!” But I held my tongue and took this as a learning moment.
From that moment on, I made sure that every student was looking directly at me with nothing in their hands before I gave any instructions. Then, once I had everyone’s attention, I moved through the class, making sure that everyone was still looking at me, and gave the directions. Then, when I had finished giving my vastly shortened instructions (thirty to forty-five seconds, tops), I asked if there were any questions. I took the time to look every student briefly in the eyes, waiting for any questions.
This time, when I told them to “Make it happen!” they made it happen.
It was a most refreshing feeling.
So, short story made even shorter, take the time to teach your students to always watch you when you are giving instructions. It will save you much time and headache down the road.
Darren B.