UMMMMmmmmm?.... UHhhhh?

And now for a public service announcement...

***********Sometimes stumped for what to say? Are you having trouble connecting sentences without a couple of "um, arrr," or "uhhh"'s? Do you find your children silently counting AT YOU as you continue to address the room?

Then your little active listening 'ninja' will be right ON to you at this point...

Welcome to the 'UM' zone, that's right ladies and gentlemen for the meager cost of your eternal sanity, I invite you to embark on the listening adventure of a lifetime!...***********

By now the sixer's zone MAY have transcended into the sanctuary of your living room... For this, i apologize, ...kinda ;)

As an active listening exercise in room six we offer the 'Um tally'. Earning team points for listening to others and reacting to their statements or questions is merely half the game, for if you're able to stump each other during the day by RESPECTFULLY calling each other out for missing a beat with an 'um, or 'uh', you get team points!

(The great part is when other teachers or students enter the room to exchange dialogue, they're not quite sure why all of a sudden, hands in class immediately become raised!... shhh, our secret)

SO, IF, (parents and guardians) you're up to implementing this active listening program at home so the young versions of us can earn more points, then leave your feedback!

Otherwise all is well on our ship, and it be true, arrrrrr ship be sailing full steam ahead!