Take “I don’t know” off the table, watch what happens

I want you to pause for a moment: look into the eyes of your students and imagine asking a question about what you just taught.

Some will eagerly raise their hands.
Some will lean back, letting others do the work.
Some will guess.

It’s tempting to sort them into two groups:

• The Knowers

• The NOT Knowers

For years, that was my default lens. I’d even pray at night for the students who struggled, assuming the issue was listening… or caring.

But here’s the shift:  Instead of labeling them “NOT Knowers,” rename that list:

Believers that they can figure it out.

And teach accordingly!  Trust me, this is such a hope-filled position. 

You move into creating action-takers. - Even when you are not around.

You can...

• give them tools—to figure it out
• and to show them how to use them.

A Quick Shift That Builds Believers

When a student says, “I don’t know,” don’t let the conversation end there.

Instead, embed a gentle prompt that signals action is possible:

• “Listen here.”

• “Look here.”

• “Think about this.”

• "Use this next time."

These short phrases nudge students from stuck → to strategy.

👉 Tomorrow, when you hear “I don’t know,” try one of these prompts and watch how quickly the moment shifts.

Classroom snapshot:
A transitional kindergartener stopped at the word my. Instead of guessing, she checked her ABC chart: /m/ + /y/. It didn’t work right away. But because she had a place to look back, she stayed in the problem. That’s the difference between compliance and engagement.

Let the Environment Do Some of the Work

Ask yourself:

• What reminder can students return to when they’re stuck?

• Where can I place this reminder so they see it often?

A sticky note.
A chart.
A phrase posted on the wall.

Don’t assume students will always initiate action—design the environment so it pulls them back into learning.

When you take “I don’t know” off the table, you help students believe: I can figure this out. And that belief is where true independence begins.

Cheers to loving literacy and life,
~Jennifer

P.S. If you are looking for professional learning that drives action-takers, let's set up a time to talk.  

P.P.S.  Did you know?  My seven step lesson plan can help students engage in such a way that works daily to create independent actions in students.