Let Them Be the Teacher (Yes, Really)
- Benjamin Tinsley
- Apr 11
- 2 min read
Listen, if you’re anything like me, this time of year can feel like wading through molasses in cement shoes. Even the routines that used to feel joyful and grounding—calendar talk, check-ins, weekend chat—can start to feel… well, stale. Predictable. Exhausting.
So here’s a tip that has brought me so much joy and completely flipped the energy in my classroom:
Let a student run the routine.
Like, actually—hand them the remote, let them stand in your spot, and tell them, “Go ahead. It’s your class now.”
But here’s where it gets even better:
Ask them to do their best impression of you.
Yes, you read that right. Invite them to channel your energy, your voice, your little teacher quirks.
It’s hilarious (prepare to be lovingly roasted), but also incredibly affirming. Because as they lead their classmates through the routine, you get to see how much they’ve internalized—the flow, the vocabulary, the rhythm. And for a few minutes, you get to sit back, sip your coffee (or just breathe), and watch the class run itself.
The key is: if the routines are solid and your slide deck or visuals are already in place, the shift is easy. You’re not reinventing the wheel—you’re just rotating it a little and letting someone else take the driver’s seat.
Not only does this give students a sense of ownership, but it breathes life back into the routine. Suddenly, everyone’s a little more awake, a little more curious, a little more ready to participate.
Want to see it in action?
If you’re in the AfroFranco Teacher Collective, check the Shared Drive—I’ve uploaded a short video clip of what it looks like in my classroom. Watch it, steal the idea, and try it out this week.
You’ve done the work. The structure is there. Let them show you just how much they know—and remind yourself just how far they’ve come.
You’ve got this. (And they do, too.)
This post really made me think differently about learning and creativity. When I worked on my book’s cover design, I realized how much I could learn by letting others share their ideas too. Sometimes the best lessons come from simply listening.
Absolutely! Letting students take the lead can spark creativity and build confidence. When they become the “teacher,” they share knowledge in fun, engaging ways—just like large sequin patches that shine boldly and make a statement. Empowering them creates a dynamic learning environment where every idea sparkles, encouraging collaboration, expression, and mutual growth for everyone
The AfroFranco blog highlights a fresh classroom idea: let students lead, take ownership, and run activities themselves, fostering engagement and confidence. Similarly, in research, authors rely on Academic Editors for Expert editing for healthcare journals, ensuring their work is clear, precise, and impactful. Both emphasize careful guidance and quality, whether in education or scholarly communication.
Your post "Let Them Be the Teacher (Yes, Really)" was excellent; it's a wonderful way to promote learning by teaching! As I read, I thought back to my own research experience. I came across Research Data Collection Services last month when I needed assistance collecting data for a project. They saved me time and effort by greatly simplifying the process. I could concentrate on the wider picture rather than battling with surveys and analysis.