
The Surprising Power of Silence in the Classroom (…and how it gave me back time, energy, and presence)
I used to believe that every second of teaching had to be filled—with words, activity, energy. I’d ask a question and immediately call on someone. A student would answer and I’d repeat it for the class. I’d give directions and then re-explain them five different ways just to be safe. I was constantly talking—because I thought that meant I was constantly teaching. But it wasn’t sustainable.