Use every teaching moment

Great teachers know that teaching can occur at any time and can use those “teachable moments” whether planned for or not. They are willing to respond to opportunities to support children learning, understanding, and growing. A student might struggle to understand the relationship between multiplication and division in a Maths class, then suddenly have a lightbulb moment when the teacher asks how many teams of 4 can the class make for a Phys Ed activity.

An unexpected question asked during a planned lesson can help the teacher realise they need to change the direction of the lesson. The smart teacher will know this and constantly look for teachable moments. Some of these moments may not even be anywhere near a classroom! For instance, children can learn about capacity by being aware how long they have to wait for different friends to fill their drink bottles from the water dispenser at playtime.

Have a look at this very precious teaching moment.
Here is another teacher’s perspective.