The Lazy Teacher’s Handbook is packed full of ‘things to try’ in lessons but is also underpinned by a view of teaching and learning that is humane & hopeful.
The Lazy Teacher’s Handbook
If being lazy could be seen as an accolade, then the author of this book would deserve one. Jim Smith has brought laziness to a new level. The book explains how teachers can enjoy their responsibility by helping the learners to realise that they have to share the work…and in doing so they will enjoy it and find it fulfilling.
Of course, ‘lazy’ is a misnomer; the book oozes professionalism and rigour and it does so with a confidence that will encourage teachers to think again about their classroom practice. It is about the highest-quality learning brought about by taking a different slant on how the teacher needs to perform.
It is full of the practical explanations of how to make things work and sensible explanations to support classroom organisation. Over the years we have enjoyed seeing cooks, gardeners and DIY experts let us into their trade secrets. This book does it for teachers.
There are many books on the market which offer a compendium of fun and funky ideas for teachers anxious to engage their students more actively in their classes.
However I’ve not encountered many to match this one for writing style (lucid, easy and entertaining, much in the manner of his mentor Ian Gilbert), organisation, and coherence to a unifying idea – the notion that teachers can and should teach less so that learners learn more.
In offering up his ‘Lazy Way’ antidote to teacher fatigue and student passivity I’m reminded of John West-Burnham’s suspicion that children go to school in order to watch their teachers work.
That was our book for today. I really hope that you are getting the best out of it. You can get the book from the links below. Good Luck!
