The brain can only absorb ....

what the behind can endure! I cannot believe that I have taught for twelve years and have never heard this before. Okay, to be honest I heard it with a different set of words....so I took the opportunity to make it more family friendly:) Either way you say it, how true! I can't tell you how many times I am at a meeting, workshop,etc with a group of adults who are constantly texting, emailing, writing grocery lists or to-do lists during a presentation or meeting. We all justify it saying " I don't really need this part." " I have too much to do." " I am bored!" Essentially, we become our students and begin to disengage after a certain point of sitting and listening. Regardless of our ages or job descriptions, we all begin to "tune out" after about 15 or 20 minutes. We are approaching a difficult time of year in the classroom. When you add the time of year to the other challenges such as class size that classroom teachers are facing, it is enough to make us all pull our hair out! So hang in there and remember that all of us need movement and to be engaged! Keep your classroom full of activities that reach all your learners and remember ... the brain can only absorb what the behind can endure! Please share your strategies for stations, centers, so forth! Teachers are always looking for new, creative ways to engage students. Enjoy the week and hang in there! Thanksgiving Break is just around the corner!