Consider. I love this word. Instead of telling someone what to do, I ask them to consider something else. It softens a command to a request. It is effective for teachers, students, and parents. Instead of telling a parent, “You need to have a certain time every day to read to your child,”  say “Consider creating a time and space for you to spend time focusing on reading with your child. Before you know it, your child will be reading to you!” Somehow, just the word consider makes all the difference. Instead of telling a child, “Put that book away. This is math time,” say “Consider reading that book during the appropriate time.”  Instead of telling your coworkers that you want them to all do the same art project in February, say, “Can we consider all doing this project together?” Using the word consider transfers a command to more of a request and for some people, that makes all the difference.

I learned a great technique many years ago from a veteran teacher, and have used it successfully with learners of all ages, as well as parents, friends and family members. I found it very effective to tell a child that…”I need your help with something. Can you help me figure out…..” Learners of all ages appreciate being asked to be part of the solution, as much as they enjoy knowing that you need “their help”. It shifts the “position of power or the position of authority” to a level playing field where it can be a “win-win” for all involved.

Pamela Webster, M. Ed., SPED