A quiet moment before calling a name

I was looking at my notes, the usual list of questions ready. The room was quiet, waiting. I could feel the familiar tension of who to call on next.

The weight of a name

Sometimes the same few hands shoot up every time. Others sit back, thinking quietly. I want to hear from everyone, but it’s hard to keep track in the middle of a discussion.Choosing feels heavy. I don’t want anyone to feel singled out or, worse, ignored. The goal is just a calm, even flow of conversation.

Letting the wheel decide

I put all their names on a simple digital wheel. It spins with a soft whirring sound. The class watches it, and there’s a shift in the air.The randomness takes the pressure off me. It becomes a neutral thing we’re all watching together. It’s not me picking; it’s just chance.When it lands, there’s no drama. Just a gentle nudge for someone to share. It feels fair, and the students seem to accept it that way.

A different kind of quiet

Now the quiet moments feel more thoughtful. They’re not just waiting to see if they’re chosen. They’re preparing, just in case.

Seeing who’s ready

Sometimes the person it lands on needs a second. They glance at their notes, just like I do. That’s okay. We all need a moment to gather our thoughts.