It’s Starting! … Are you Ready?

So, you’re trying to get used to navigating the right way through starting the lesson. It can be daunting! There’s the red “enter” button, the 3-minute countdown, the little koala bear face coming on, and then the long inhale before you start.

Start and say hello?……

Right??….and then???……

Of course, there’s lesson to teach, but how do you go from the spinning panda bear face to teaching it?

Well, you start with giving a little warmth and happiness to the lesson. The student first needs to judge for themselves that they trust you.

Some top important Start Sessions tips are having GOOD ENERGY, a fun activity, and establishing a good reward system.

The student should have fun! We want good vibes flowing from the start.

SO, LET’S TAKE IT FROM THE TOP: from the moment you turn the camera on to start.

ENERGY AND MOOD

It’s ok to be nervous but remember to be yourself. Your natural, happy demeanor and smile is best! Sometimes nerves try to take over, our fear gets the better of us, and…

…then we look like this. Weeeird!

Relax…just be your genuine, kind self. You’re awesome!

Introduce yourself, say hello. I always ask them “how are you?”, I believe that’s just good manners.

Energy and sincerity are key.

Check out my friendly greeting here.

https://youtu.be/mcypMdzWThA

See, that’s it.

Now let the games begin!

Activity time!

After a brief introduction, a fun activity is the ideal way to start. It should be something that’s interactive and promotes open thought.

Here’s a few common warm-ups:

It’s good to know a few kinds of these games. If you get to class in a rush, you can always do these.

1. Free association – when I say (_____) what do you think of?

The consultant picks something and asks student to think of all the words they can that relate to it.

2. Picture pull– You load a picture onto a blank page, perhaps relevant to the lesson. Ask the student what they see or help them identify new things. Make it funny, creative, lighthearted, or fun.
3. Word games– like an acrostic activity. These are easy and students usually respond well to the activity. It works with any level, get creative!

Watch me do an acrostic with a group class here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm4wFeoneGU&feature=youtu.be

TIPS ABOUT WARM-UPS:

• Keep it fun!!
• It should not last more than 3 minutes
• Find new ideas posted regularly in the iTG blog and think of your own!
• Keep a list of good warm up ideas. You can refer to it in a pinch.

REWARD: Twice is nice

The end of the activity is a perfect time to establish the reward system. Start with the “bling” of the Star Rewards.

Using your own rewards adds extra personality to your lesson. Here’s my whiteboard ice-cream building reward system from start to finish (I also have a cheeseburger)!!

Reward them for doing an amazing job and you’re off to a great start!

The student is happy, and you’ve established the mood of the classroom.

You’ve also established that you’re an awesome teacher!

NOW…It’s time to begin the lesson.