I usually do book reviews on Wednesdays, but I read Quiet by Susan Cain this summer and learned so much personally and professionally. I decided to devote a couple of Monday posts to introverts. (For the record, I am an introvert. I can be social when I need to be, but I need alone time to recharge.)
Last Monday I shared her TED Talk. Today I want to share how I plan to implement what I learned in my classroom.
1. Susan Cain recommends a balance of activities that appeal to introverts and extroverts. I have times where I expect small group work and other times where I expect students to work independently.
2. I want to intentionally encourage the different passions of my students. Last year when the Seahawks won the Super Bowl, some of us were over-the-top excited, but not everyone. Introverts have deep interests in activities that may not be shared by others.
3. When I have students work collaboratively, I help my introverts by choosing pairs and triads. If the group gets too large, they may not share.
4. Cain also recommends that I teach everyone to work independently. This may not be my extroverts' strength, but they can learn from the introverts the value of quiet deliberate practice.
