Your summer vacation is over, but you can still put on your waders and cast your popper into a swell of curiosity from the shifting shores of your classroom. Chum the water and open your tackle box. Find your confidence, compassion, knowledge, and flexibility — rig your rod with a target in mind and catch your mark.
You might not be familiar with the cast-and-retrieve technique, so let me provide you with some basics. Like fly fishing, this method can cover a lot of water as it sweeps across a sea of diverse learners, most seeking cover. Conspicuously, they hide texting on a cell phone, surfing the web on a school-issued computer, or doodling in a notebook: anywhere that keeps them safe. Set your sights on the bottom feeders in the bunch: the ones that prey upon your weaknesses and feed on scraps left behind by a disengaged class. They are feisty, disruptive, argumentative, and off-task: they hunger for your attention; give it to them. It's tempting to navigate away from the scavenger, but you'll miss a prized catch.
In one continuous motion, you cast out lures and reel them in. From an encouraging smile to a challenging problem, the bait you choose depends on whom you try to catch. For example, an advanced learner may be hungry for some enlightening knowledge as a struggling student starves for a bite of compassion. Keep in mind that pelagic fish live neither too close to the shore nor too close to the bottom. Learn to identify your lunkers and guppies. Figure out what they like. Cast your line further than the students you try to catch. Let the bait drift naturally towards your mark.
A seasoned angler wisely chooses the right lures in anticipation of a grand slam, the triumph of catching at least three specific fish species in a single day. For the angler to be successful, even the best combination of lures requires an effective leader. A strong leader withstands abrasion and is prepared; with obstacles in mind. With practice, you can jig the leader within you like a pro. A fisherman also relies on FADS, floating objects designed to attract fish. Fill your classroom with FADS that allure student interest. A motivational poster, a rock collection, a creepy skeleton topped with a graduation cap; figure out what is relevant to your students and your curriculum.
Learn to flow with the winds and tides of your classroom. You are not in control of everything. Be equipped with a mechanism that puts pressure on the line you pull- drags like allowing time to think or polling the class might work. With all this in mind, the fishing line you toss will go unnoticed by learners who bite into the clever cocktail of bait rigged onto your hook. You strike and reel them in. Be careful. Over-zealous striking often pulls the baited hook out of a fish's mouth; don't spook the student.
With additional practice, you realize there is more at play than just the bait. The lure must reach an optimal depth on its way back to you. You adjust the speed and angle of retrieval to impact its depth. Focus on what you want to catch. Your mark might be a new question, a nod of understanding, or the elusive ah-ha moment. Mimic a swimming fish; think out loud. Find the right time to set your hook, yank your line and pull it in. Modify your perspective. Tug and pull again. Retrieving lures can be both challenging and fun. You might snag a keeper. However, you'll find releasing your prized catch is more rewarding.
Catch-and Release is the eco-friendly practice of releasing a catch while still alive. Just as more and more fish species are becoming endangered, students are streaming from public education into charter schools and home-schooling. Know how to release your catch humanely. Unlike some fishermen who use a sharp-hooked pole to drag fish from the water to the boat, avoid gaffs if you plan on releasing your catch intact. Students must want to pay attention; you should not have to force them to pay attention. They want praise and acknowledgment, never belittlement.
If you're looking for a fish-friendly tackle, try a circle hook. The flexible point bends from the shank, which stops it from gouging a fish's gut or throat. Instead, it snares in the corner of the mouth; the ideal hook to use if you want students to open up and join the conversation. These hooks take some getting used to; you need to wait until they lodge firmly in place before you put the pressure on. Otherwise, you'll pull them right out before a student builds the confidence to speak. Flexibility and patience are essential. Always provide the students you hook with a live-well, a steady flow of encouragement.
Be sure to tag your catch before it is released. Take time to reflect; jot down what worked and what did not. Safely return your catch into its shoal. Eventually, your group of diverse learners will swim together in synchrony. They will be schooling in your direction in no time!
When it comes to teacher casting tips, remember to leave plenty of space behind and in front of you. Too much clutter in your classroom is distracting. Most importantly: never give up! With practice, you will feel confident in your casting and retrieval techniques. Take the time to figure out how they connect. Fish on!
CAST AND RETRIEVE TEACHING: 5 STEPS
Cast your lure to your mark – remember that students love to take cover!
Let your lure fall to the appropriate depth of knowledge. Be flexible and patient.
Retrieve the lure by reeling in. You are the leader- pull in your invisible line, mimicking a swimming fish. Vary the speed and angle of your retrieve to find a combination that entices a bite.
Wait a bit, then cast again.
Never give up!
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