A Simple "Thank You"

Last week I did something that took my class by surprise. Let me set the stage for you.

I teach the "low" math class. It consists of 23 students, 7 of which receive EC services. These are the kids who usually don't get it and feel "stupid" if they ask questions. I told them I have super powers, well I do, but I can't read minds. I told them that if they didn't know that they need to let me know, they need to ask.

Yeah, 5th graders are on the verge of being too cool to do a lot of things, and raising your hand and admitting that you don't know is definitely uncool. I honestly didn't know if anyone would dare raise their hand. I jumped into the lesson and used my math phrase that I haven't used in a few years, "questions? comments? wonderings?" The kids laughed and said, "wonderings!" Yes, I know spell check will say that isn't a real word, but it is my word.

After every problem that we discussed and solved together, we were creating algebraic expressions based on clues, I said my phrase. I probably said it nine times and then the miracle happened. A little girl raised her hand and said, "I don't get it." Yes, the heavens opened and a smile crossed my face. I then preceded to go through what we had done, step by step. After each one, I checked to see if she understood. In the end I saw the light of knowledge flash in her eyes, and I knew she now understood. I was about to continue onto the next problem, but I paused and said it. "Thank you, insert student's name, for asking."

I saw a few heads come up and kids looking around the room. "Did she really just thank her?" was on more than one face. I smiled again and preceded to problem number ten. It wasn't long before another question was asked and a "thank you" was given. By the end of class I had said "thank you for asking" five or six times. Not bad for a class that usually wouldn't even think of asking a question.

I found it to be so successful that I did the same thing the next day and again today. So my new favorite phrase, besides "questions? comments? wonderings?" is "thank you for asking". Well, I have one other one that the kids love, but that's just between me and them. ;)