What do you do when your lesson is really sweet and kids
start getting excited, murmuring, turning to each other and getting a bit too
excited?
·
You could set
your expectations in advance in such a way that outlaw fun: “No cheering,
laughing or smiling when you see this really awesome, funny video I’m about to
show you!”
·
You could make
a big deal about it and try to completely reassert your authority over the
class in order to retain control again no matter what the cost… but this would
negate the momentum, and added engagement, your sweet lesson has brought about.
·
Or… relax and realize that the whole point of
finding this video/photo/game was for your students to have fun with it, get
pumped about your class, and engaged in the material. Let students have fun
with it! Give them 5 seconds to react and then say “alright, rock star posture
in 3, 2, 1 annnd great we’re back together. So as I was saying…” If any students
take advantage and carry the fun over into the lesson (even 1 second after you
count down to zero), in a neutral voice say: “We counted down. You have a warning,”
quickly mark the board and move on. Students will catch on quickly and you’ll
be able to have fun as a class more often.
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