Motivating Students: from the sublime to the ridiculous

Rob Bown

Cheney School, Oxford

(rbo@cheney.oxon.sch.uk)

Feedback on Spanish lessons

Dear parent / carer,

Over the last two weeks I have seen a real improvement in XXXX’s work.

When he comes to lessons he shows he is respectful and ready to learn by immediately taking out his books and getting on with the work that has been set. He has always arrived on time to lessons but now he is getting on with his work much more quickly. He has also shown greater consideration for others by not starting or joining in inappropriate conversations during the lesson. He has shown increased maturity by moving from loud participation in speaking work to quiet concentration when listening. Finally, I have seen in XXXX a greater sense of responsibility as he has not only always done his best in lessons but has also completed all homework set.

I thought you would like to know about this great improvement.

Yours,

Dr. Bown – Spanish teacher

Singing in lessons (videos)

• Singing in Spanish (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KATBgZ5oyIg )

• Singing in Maths (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zpfs76wgxv4 )

• Singing in English (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3K9pd6h9JT0 )

• Singing in Science (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUDDiWtFtEM )

Read this!

The go-verbs song

ME: You put a 'go' at the end of some verbs YOU: Oh no another song, Rob, you're such a nerd!ME: But they're really important verbs.YOU: Go on, tell us then, but it's getting absurd.MEN: Tengo is the one MEN: you know the best.MEN: It means I have and it's not like the rest. MEN: There's no g in the infinitive,WOMEN: it only shows, when you use the verb to say I have

ALL: Don't forget about the go-verbs: ALL: Salgo, hago I go out, I do-oo.ALL: Put a go at the end of the go-verbs:ALL: Tengo, digo I have, I say it's true.