I hope this week has been kind to you.
I've been thinking about this lately...
Sometimes we spend so much time thinking about what we want to teach...that we forget how much our students have taught us.
When I look back over the years, I can think of students who completely changed the way I explain a concept. Others taught me to slow down. Some reminded me that confidence often matters just as much as ability. And a few taught me that what works brilliantly with one learner simply doesn't work with another.
Those lessons have stayed with me far longer than any textbook.
✍️ What's one thing a student has taught you that has changed the way you teach?

Looking back on moments with children, where I felt a big shfit, were the ones where I slowed down... Can slowing, giving time for a greeting, a deep breath and some gentleness before diving into the next thing be considered differentialtion?
THE little boy, THE one who had been struggling to be a part of the group, took my hand (I'm a substitute teacher who had never met this boy!). After the breathing and stretching exercise at the end of recess, outdoors, we moved away as a group, calm and cool, and as he grasped my hand, connected. Melt my heart.
So given this case, pausing after recess, I'm going to say 'yes' :). Young boys can't regulate themselves as quickly and independently as girls, yet. It will come! But when in a school setting, and regulation is needed, we can help give them space, time and tools.
And just maybe sometimes our children are seeking to connect?
This is where I noticed a big 'aha'. Doing a regulate before we educate exercise outdoors, with 6-7 year olds after recess, showed me that our students really need and apprecite this moment for gentleness and connection. Switching from one adult leader / teacher / supervisor to the next and one activity to the next.
THE boy, THE one who so often was on the fringes of the class, felt a part of the whole, felt connected. From that moment on, his engagement in the learning task was spot on.
He needed a different kind of transition. Slow, intentional, soft, connected.