Students need time to THINK and process new concepts. Relief teachers, because they know content and skills, sometimes go on without giving kids the take up time needed to understand a concept. Sometimes relief teachers talk too fast and pepper the students with questions and activities without giving them time to process. You know the old adage, “Stop and smell the roses!” That is also true in the classroom.
When you have taught a new skill, concept or strategy, simply stop. Watch the class as they process what has been covered. When you need to ask a question, simply pause before expecting an answer. Some students just need time to
o process and understand the question;
o retrieve the necessary information and then (finally) o formulate a response
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