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I Made my Pupils Stand up in Class
They needed an incentive though
I bend over backwards for these kids, only figuratively because I suffer from chronic back pain.
I was teaching Pythagoras’ Theorem to my year 9 top set. I adapted the PowerPoint and incorporated a quiz at the end. The lesson was going well; the concept was understood; and so on to the quiz, which required everyone to stand, one at a time, and mentally work out the missing side of right-angled triangles. An incorrect answer eliminates that person who has to sit. The winner is the last one standing.
A few were keen, but others were reluctant and wanted to opt-out or play sitting down. Usually, they look for excuses to get off their seats:
“ I have to sharpen my pencil”
“I want to throw away…”
“Can I take a tissue from your desk?”
I explained that tracking would be easier if they all stood. I had to think on my feet (pun intended). There’s a banana in my drawer, but they wouldn’t budge for that. Luckily, I remembered picking up a chocolate bar from a department meeting earlier that day and begrudgingly offered that as the prize. Suddenly they’re up and rearing to go! It’s all about instant gratification with these youngsters.
