Do you remember your first drive?
I honestly don’t. Easily 1/2 million miles later, driving is something I do virtually mindlessly.
But in that first drive, every single brain cell was laser-focused on the task at hand. I’m sure I was nervous, cautious, and likely made a few mistakes.
I’ve done first drives now with each of my three children, and what I found helped was a constant narration. I turned my unconscious thoughts into words, and spoke them into the car. I started doing that while driving them around, and then continued when they took over behind the wheel.
There was praise for well-executed maneuvers, feedback on mistakes, and of course strong guidance when needed to avoid damaging my car!
It’s the same way with teaching, and I know that I’m not the only one who forgets that I’m processing more, and underneath my radar, than many of my students. When I verbalize my thoughts as they happen, draw connections they might not have considered, I illuminate the path my mind is taking and hopefully help my students follow down that path.
I also remember that it may take more mental energy for students starting out than for me, in my third decade of this craft.
You’ve got many miles behind you more than your students; use them.