We've all seen them--those amazing teachers who can write on the board, direct a small-group reading circle, and gently redirect three off-task students at the same time. Their expertise is an inspiration for us all. As amazing and inspiring as it may be, however, no one is actually born with the trait of "withitness."
What is withitness? At all times a teacher knows what’s going on in class.
Teachers with withitness are said to have eyes in the back of their heads. But, since they never turn their backs on the class, this is not really necessary.
Here's a quick excerpt from the handouts that accompany the professional development DVD. Use it to determine just how you rate as a teacher who knows what is going on in class?
TEACHER SELF-ASSESSMENT 5.7: WHAT IS YOUR LEVEL OF WITHITNESS?
Use the list of strategies below to assess your level of withitness. Rank yourself on a scale of 1-3 with 3 being as successful as possible. Any strategy that you can’t rank yourself as a 3 should be one that you continue to work to improve.
What is withitness? At all times a teacher knows what’s going on in class.
Teachers with withitness are said to have eyes in the back of their heads. But, since they never turn their backs on the class, this is not really necessary.
Here are some simple tips for cultivating your own classroom withitness:
1. Don’t ever turn your back on a class.
2. Be alert to signs and signals among your students
3. Be prepared so that you can focus on students instead of the lesson.
4. Develop your personal multitasking skills.
5. Stay on your feet and monitor.
6. Arrange your class so that you can see and be seen.
7. Don’t distract students when they are working.
8. Pace lessons so that they flow in a businesslike manner.
9. Quietly correct off task behavior and then move on.
Here's a quick excerpt from the handouts that accompany the professional development DVD. Use it to determine just how you rate as a teacher who knows what is going on in class?
TEACHER SELF-ASSESSMENT 5.7: WHAT IS YOUR LEVEL OF WITHITNESS?
Use the list of strategies below to assess your level of withitness. Rank yourself on a scale of 1-3 with 3 being as successful as possible. Any strategy that you can’t rank yourself as a 3 should be one that you continue to work to improve.
1. _____Don’t turn your back on a class.
2. _____Be alert to signs and signals among your students.
3. _____Know your students well.
4. _____Greet students at the door at the start of class to scan for potential problems.
5. _____Be prepared so that you can focus on students instead of the lesson.
6. _____Develop your personal multitasking skills.
7. _____Stay on your feet and monitor.
8._____Arrange your class so that you can see and be seen.
9._____Don’t distract students when they are working.
10._____Pace lessons so that they flow in a businesslike manner.
11. _____Quietly correct off task behavior and then move on.
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