There are a number of old fashion teaching strategies that work, and we can't forget them. Here's a few. Please let me know what you'd add.
1. Correcting mistakes. A former grade-level colleague always had students do this, and I've been doing it more. It's a simple strategy that works because when children have to figure out what they did wrong and how to fix it great learning happens--great learning as long as you're ready and able to coach them through the tough spots.
2. Practice. The more your write, the better you get. The more you read, the better you get. The more you practice your math, the faster and better you get. Most of the time in school should be time when children are actively learning and practicing what they learn--of course, the activities need to be meaningful, inviting, and vibrant, not dull, boring, and one-dimensional.
3. Listen. Make the time to listen to children. They want to be heard, and they need to be heard. Simple, powerful, but not always easy given the numbers and constraints in schools.
4. Read aloud. Sharing a good story that's read well is terrific teaching.
5. Response. Take the time to assess learning, then respond with next-step learning--children don't learn in one-size-fits-all ways. Every child is different and every child requires a responsive approach to their learning needs.
What other tried and true traditional teaching approaches do you regularly and successfully employ?
Today's teaching benefits from the best of the old and the best of the new--a wonderful, continuously changing menu of learning experiences.
