Doug Lemov's field notes

Reflections on teaching, literacy, coaching, and practice.

01.07.19 Things To Do When You Don’t Get Many Hands

In the annals of being a teacher, hoping to see 20 eager hands raised when you’ve asked a question but seeing only two or three instead is among the most common challenges. Since this blog is a judgment free zone I just want to say it’s ok. We have all, every single one of us, been…


03.30.16 How to Start Class: Starring Alonte Johnson

The first moment of your class is in many ways the most important in setting expectations for what will happen there for the next hour.  That’s why I love this clip of Alonte Johnson starting his 7th grade English class at King’s Collegiate in Brooklyn.  He’s clear and direct. His routines are simple and efficient.  He…