Mr Grumble's Ghost and Student Engagement

"Mr Grumble was an awful teacher when he died
(He forgot his seatbelt on a rollercoaster ride)."
 
Hello Happy Readers!
This week's read-aloud poem is about a grumpy ghost named Mr Grumble who terrorises any teacher sent in to take over his class after his untimely death on a rollercoaster. Mr Grumble's Ghost does not believe in talking, playing, or games of any kind in his classroom and sends the wonderful new teachers screaming for the hills. 
 
This is a great piece to explore your children's thoughts about what makes a good/cool teacher and you will definitely be surprised by their deep insights. Use their opinions to reflect on your own practice. 
 
I suggest for the week you're reading Mr Grumble's Ghost that you bring something to class or do something wacky to shake up your routines every day — just like the cool teachers in the story. Some examples of what you might bring in or do:

• A musical instrument that you can play
• Homemade cupcakes 
• A painting that you've been working on
• A box full of your childhood toys
• Your old Pokemon cards that you use to collect
• Medals and trophies you've won from sport
• Embarrassing photos from when you were little
• Dress in your karate/Spiderman/soccer outfit 
• Do your literacy or numeracy warm up session outside one day

Make it a week to show who you are as a person when you're not a teacher. Show them what makes you cool because we all are in our own way. If you can impress them or laugh at yourself in a good natured way, you will win their respect. Children love and follow grownups they respect.
 
I hope you have an inspiring week full of wacky words and giggles!
-Sean