Stand Still!

In the article, "Better training, better teachers" by Lawrence Harmon there is a quick summary of Doug Lemov's April publication of “Teach Like a Champion:49 Techniques that Put Students on the Path to College."

Two lines really stuck out at me.  "One of the best pieces of advice Lemov ever received as a novice teacher was to stand still when giving directions to a class. Teachers who pass out papers or move around while offering directions dilute the importance of the command, or at least that’s how students see it."

If you stand still and make direct eye contact while delivering instructions - students will absolutely listen more.  It is funny - this is an absolute and I remember telling my student teachers that standing still will make them look far more confident than if they moved around while delivering specific directions.  Great advice!