Be the host of your classroom

I've run my classroom like I am the master of the space. I have been in control, passing out papers, teaching the lessons, having students rely heavily on what I am doing.

It's exhausting. Always in the spotlight, having 20 kids at a time need you for a full 75 minute period. It left no room to think, breath or adapt. I was always chasing.

So I am shifting my perspective, thanks to Zoe Chance, teacher and researcher at Yale University in the power of Influence.

"What would it look like to be hosting the class rather than teaching it?"

This shifts the focus away from the teacher, and onto the students. Serving students. Things aren't going to go perfectly when you are hosting, and that is normal. Your guests (students) can mess up and you don't take it personally, taking away the sole responsibility you may feel for them.

They are the party guests and you do not need to hold your guests hands the entire time. You welcome them in, let them know the standard or theme or the party and you assist and engage when needed.

This opens space to allow students to be themselves and creates space to help those who may be falling behind.

When the class is focused on you (sometimes literally by the seating chart) it becomes a one man show. Shift. Focus on the party. Let the guests lead themselves.