Never accept a nod of assent as understanding. Swap places with the student. Even sit in their chair. Let the student take the front of the classroom and ask her, “Explain it to me again!” 42
5 0 W A Y S T O B E A B E T T E R R E L I E F T E A C H E R
Dear Mum,
Today I learned …
This is a great way to end the day on a positive. The students write a letter to their parents (or significant adult in their life) and outline what they did during the day (or week) that you were there.
You might need to make a judgement call about whether or not you need to proof these pieces of work.
The students could then place the note in the envelope and drop it in their mailbox at home for their parents to find.