Beginning and Ending Class Like a Pro with Brian Sztabnik

The four minutes beginning and ending class matter most according to teacher Brian Sztabnik. Today we talk about how to make the most of those valuable minutes.  How you handle these minutes may just determine whether you’re a good teacher or a great one. Sure, there’s lots of reasons for starting class slowly or ending early. The great ones to do neither.

The great ones make use of the four minutes at the beginning of class and those four minutes at the end. But what should you do? Today we talk with Brian Sztabnik, about these critical times in the classroom.

Essential Questions: Teaching Strategies: Why the First and Last Four Minutes Matter Most with Brian Sztabnik

• What are some engaging ways you can start class tomorrow?
• What are some powerful ways a writing or composition class can begin the class period?
• How can you end on an up note?
• If you really do have to end class early and have a few extra minutes, what you should actually be doing with the students yourself (instead of grading at your desk.)
• Ideas for tweeting in the classroom without having access to Twitter

[callout]A big shout out to Brian Sztabnik, fellow teacher and podcaster for being on this show! Brian is a fantastic educator! If you haven’t checked out podcasting, use a podcatcher (like the one in iTunes) or my favorite, iCatcher, to get in on the podcast goodness. Listening to shows like this one or Brian’s Talks with Teachers is a great way to get motivated and know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Thank you! Every Classroom Matters hits #1 in K12 iTunes Store. Another big thank you to all of you who listen to Every Classroom Matters out there. This past week, the show hit #1 in the K12 iTunes store. That doesn’t happen without your sharing, emailing friends, and subscribing to the show. I appreciate the ratings and reviews you’ve been leaving. Thanks for listening. [/callout]

Helpful Links from this Show

• Brian Sztabnik on Twitter @talkswteachers
• Brian’s website
• The 8 Minutes that Matter Most by Brian Sztabnik on Edutopia
• New Book! The Best Lesson Series: Literature: 15 Master Teachers Share What Works (Volume One)
• Harry Wong’s The Classroom Management Book for ideas on starting and ending class
• Check out the Twitter Bulletin Board Ideas on Pinterest (I love “If famous people could tweet”)
• Want to talk about this in a staff meeting? Rebecca Pfenninger created a cool “10 Minute Staff Meeting” video presentation inspired by Brian’s Blog post with some relevant research included. (This presentation starts with the BORING but hilarious Ferris Bueller scene! Use this in your staff meeting to help everyone start and end class well!)
• Inspiring YouTube Videos Collection may have some ideas.

[callout]You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or elsewhere, get the RSS feed, or listen via the media player above.[/callout]

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