We are picking up from last week, using Doug Curry's free resources on his website. This article, "How to Become a Slow Llama", can be found at http://www.fastllama.com/llama-lessons-for-the-whole-year
Here is Doug Curry:
Bad Body Language, Expressions, and other Signals
What is the figure that you read sometimes? You know, the one that says that something like 1,000% of all communication from one person to another is nonverbal? Well, that might not be the exact figure, but the truth is that students learn a whole lot about your “llamahood” from the way you carry yourself, the look on your face, and your perceived energy level (or lack thereof).
Do you appear to be “low energy?” Get ready to be devoured.
Do you appear to be cranky most of the time? Get ready to be the subject of a student’s private video and become an instant social media viral star!
Do you appear easily frustrated? Do you appear to take things personally? Get ready to be sucked into the emotional morass of every young person’s internal conflicts.
Do you look afraid to be the person in charge? It’s kind of like a pack of dogs. One dog usually steps up to be the “dominant” one in charge. Nature abhors a vacuum. Someone is going to be in charge of your classroom, and it had better be you!
Even when you are giving a compliment, does your face betray how you really feel? You say that you believe in the student, but your face says, “Charles Manson!”
When a student returns to your room from ISS or detention, are you welcoming? Or does your demeanor tell another story?
Kids know. They know if you like them. They know if you care about them. They know if you believe in them. They know if you are holding some past offense against them. It doesn’t matter if you say a word or not. They can tell by your tone, your body language, and the look on your face.
Kids will rise as high as you expect them to rise. They will sink as low as you expect the sink. It’s amazing how good they can be for the teachers who believe them and expect the best of them.
In Quantum Learning we say that "Everything Speaks". Everything you do, or wear or say sends a message about who you are. It may not be the entire message, but it is still a message. The good news is that you have control over this message. You have control on how you respond both verbally and physically especially when things don't go your way. I was once told that I perform a huge heavy sigh right before I presented the "path of learning and memory". You know what? I find presenting this piece quite challenging... internally I dread it... see the message I was sending? Be aware of your own response and the response of others. But, don't be too judgy, if my arms are crossed, I could just be cold...
Ways that you can share the message that you believe in your students is to use three communication moves. Demonstrating them in your actions and in your words. Remember, everything that occurs in your classroom is under your orchestration.
1. This is important.
2. You can do this.
3. I will not give up on you.
These communication moves can help upgrade student performance. A lot of times, students carry with them the feelings and emotions of negative experiences that they tie to learning. If we are aware of our body language, words and signals, we can change these negative feelings students may be bringing to your classroom. By sharing the communication moves overtly, clearly and consistently we can change student perceptions of themselves and of their academic abilities. One of the best things you can tell a kid is that the effort they put into their work paid off, especially when the work is challenging.
Here's a graphic to help solidify this idea:
No comments:
Post a Comment