where do we go next? technique

MODIFYING THIS TECHNIQUE

  • You can adapt this technique to say anything. Use it to thank a visitor, say good morning, congratulate yourselves, or anything else you can think of!

skill breakdown

WHEN TO USE IT
Once you’ve refocused your class, it can be hard to know how to transition back to a lesson without breaking that focus.

  • Notice: Courtney uses this strategy after she refocuses her class with the Hands Like This Technique.
  • Why? Use “where do we go next?” to give instructions that maintain focus rather than disperse it.

HOW TO KEEP THE FOCUS
Keep the class focused by keeping your voice and body calm and focused. Model the behavior you want to see.

  • A focused voice: Make sure you can be heard, but remember, speaking too loudly can be jarring in a quiet classroom. Find the difference between speaking intensely and loudly.
  • A focused body: Courtney keeps her body focused by making direct eye contact with every student and moving the way she wants the students to move. An unfocused body might look like leaning back, letting your eyes wander around the room, or not doing the movements you are asking your students to do.

  • Why? Your body and voice work together. If one or the other isn’t focused, you are not modelling the complete focus that you are asking your students to show.

SPECIFIC WORD CHOICE
As with many interactive strategies, word choice is important. Notice that Courtney says “quietly turn to your teacher” and “whisper, ‘where do we go next?’”

  • Why? When you are specific about the behavior you want to see, you help your students meet your expectations.

Notice that the phrase is “Where do we go next?” not “What do we do next?” The difference here is also about specificity.

  • Why? There are many places to go when you “do lunch,” like the cubbies, tables, or the door. There is only one place to go when you “line up at the door for lunch.” Set your students up for success by being specific about what you want.

PUT YOUR OWN SPIN ON IT
When Courtney says “quietly turn to your teacher,” she adds a sound like a robot swiveling its head.

  • Why? Adding interesting sound effects makes the technique more fun, therefore more engaging.