Aren't those the words we dread from our students? I rarely talk to a teacher who doesn't have some problem with late or incomplete work. Usually, we get excuses.
"I didn't get it done because I forgot my book."
"I didn't get it done because my brother spilled milk on it."
"I didn't get it done because I had volleyball practice."
What if we teach our students to look forward instead of informing us about the past?
Let's teach them to replace the because with so. I really don't care WHY it wasn't done. I want to know what THEY are going to do to get it done!
Teach your students to say,
"I didn't get it done so I'm going to come in after school to finish it."
"I didn't get it done so I will get it to you by tomorrow."
"I didn't get it done so I will get another worksheet and get working on it in study hall."
Wouldn't you love to be done with excuses and see students taking responsibility? I'm returning to work from 8 weeks of maternity leave on Monday and I'm going to try this out! Give it a try and let me know how it goes! To me it's just a small change in mindset that can make a big difference.
