“Be the change you want to see
in the world”

Gandhi’s words apply to our efforts to engage students in deep, meaningful, and lasting conversations.

Whether you are a first-year teacher or a 30-year teacher, it is likely that you have been rocked by that unplanned classroom moment that can only be described as a spontaneous combustion of wonder, curiosity, and thoughtfulness that compelled you to run to a colleague to share the joy of that experience.

Listening conveys a sense of respect for and an interest in the learner’s contributions. When this is present, students are more willing to share their thinking and put forth their ideas, just as we adults respond more when we know the person we are talking with is interested in us and our ideas.”

So, how do you increase the likelihood that your classrooms, your Socratic Seminars, and your own conversations break out into spontaneous combustions of wonder, curiosity and thoughtfulness? It is simple, yet, profound.  Become that all-important, truly interested listener. Isn’t this what you want your students to become? Well, become the change.

“Teachers who find their kids’ ideas fascinating are just better teachers than teachers who find the subject matter fascinating.” 

Be fascinated in your kids, it pays dividends!