Here is a wonderful acronym developed by KIPP schools to help remind students how to pay attention. I think what makes SLANT so great is that it doesn’t assume kids know what to do in order to stay focused. Instead, it breaks down what exactly a paying attention person would do. Plus, it’s a great little word to use when giving guidance, “Make sure you are SLANTing!”
Sit Up.
Listen.
Ask & Answer Questions.
Nod Your Head.
Track the Speaker.
I plan on working this into my classroom vocabulary this year and displaying a SLANT poster prominently on the wall.
Posted by Melissa Hamby on August 9, 2010 at 12:27 PM
Have you read “Teach Like A Champion?” We are using it as our discussion base for this year’s inservice (started today).
Posted by Melissa Hamby on August 9, 2010 at 12:27 PM
Oops, just saw it in your sidebar. Now I feel silly.
Posted by mcstowy on November 12, 2010 at 10:59 AM
SLANT = total compliance behaviors among poor black and brown children across America. Segregation and cultural dominance are now cool again. All we need is another Kipling.
Posted by teachingsparknotes on December 8, 2010 at 4:24 PM
Thank you for your comment. SLANT is a strategy used by students of all colors and economic levels. It is not designed for individual students, but as the group as a whole to use. As a teacher, I am not looking for total compliance, rather, active engagement so that students can better learn.
Posted by Lisa Bailey on May 16, 2011 at 9:25 AM
Do you know where I can get a professional looking SLANT poster for next year? I am on-board, too!
Posted by teachingsparknotes on May 16, 2011 at 1:16 PM
Zazzle.com sells a Slant Poster. It’s slightly different than the SLANT I’m familiar with, the L stands for Lean in to the speaker in theirs. But I made my own and I think it’s just as nice! : )
http://www.zazzle.com/slant_class_poster-228891195638181690