Problem+Solving+and+Evidential+Reasoning

Students need to learn the basics: 1. Solve your problem. 2. If you have an opinion or idea, back it up with some substance.

This comes in really handy in life (although of course, life can get pretty complicated) but on a more simplistic note, when a student enters middle school, it is time for them to figure out what to do if they don't have a pencil.


 * Stop. **
 * Think. **
 * Consider alternatives. **
 * Course of action. **

The stopping and thinking (a.k.a. "brain-mouth filter" or metacognition) can be REALLY difficult for 11-13 year olds. I truly believe them when they say, "I don't know why I said that...it just came out!" The point being, students need to learn to solve problems. If they forgot their jacket in period 1/2, they need to go back and get it. If they didn't receive the homework assignment, they need to: ask a friend, ask the teacher, write it on a separate piece of paper, get a note from a parent/guardian, basically- //**do something**.//

I give the example as such: if I was working in a department store and a customer asked me where the shoe department was and I didn't know, I would say, "I am not sure ma'am/sir, but let me get right back to you." Acknowledging that you may not have all the answers, that sometimes things in life happens, that you don't always have a pencil, is just how life is. Ultimately, if you can go back to stopping, thinking of some ideas, following through with respect and courtesy, the consequences may be lessened.

Soooo, when it comes to homework, classwork, calling out in class, figuring out why socks always disappear in the dryer, please know that as a teacher I will be encouraging your child to really start solving their own problems instead of bellowing out, "MRS. GEIB! I HAVE TO GO TO THE BATHROOM!!!" while we are having a class discussion on the meaning of life.

Really, just raise your hand, scoot on over to the lavatory, and then share with us your thoughts and feelings on the meaning of life. That is kind of what language arts is all about.