Teaching English Through Intimidation: Square Dancing transcript
In international schools there’s usually a handful of kiddos in class who speak little to no English. Often they’re reluctant to speak in class for the first few weeks.
It takes a brave child to come to school everyday without speaking the language. They never knew exactly what was going to happen.
One second grader had been with us for a couple of weeks when our daily routine took an allemande left. Moms came into our room, moved desks to the side, and set up a boombox.
With increasing concern he realized there would be dancing, he came to me; big grin, hands clasped, eyes laughing up at me. We both knew what he wanted to say, and we both knew that he couldn’t say it ~ in English.
“NO!” he said, shaking his head.
“Yes,” I replied, nodding my head.
“NO!” he said again. More shaking.
“Yes,” I replied again. More nodding.
The other second grade class came in, ready for a hoedown.
A few moments later, having given the matter some thought, he returned to plead his case saying clearly, “This ~ is not ~ for me.”
We laughed, and then, we danced.
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Download Colorful Collections:
A Mindful Exploration of Proper Fractions
Help your students make sense of fractions.
I started teaching in 1987, which means I’ve collected many tips and tricks along the way. In this ebook, I share concepts, strategies, and classroom materials to help you make math sticky.
Along with this useful ebook, you will receive weekly emails from StickyMath@UnCommon-Core.com. I send information like: teacher tips, educational ideas, book reviews, curated lists, reviews of educational sites, and free first drafts of products that I’m creating for my TPT store. That way, you get helpful ideas and free stuff, while I get some feedback before I finalize products and put them up for sale.
I value your privacy. I will never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.
All the best!
Isabelle
Isabelle Hoag M. Ed.
