How much of your class time is set aside for derailments/tangents?

This question probably applies more to high school that's a bit less strict. I remember some of my favorite moments in US history classes were moments someone in the class, whether me or another student, brought up some other part of history. In a way because it felt like we were manipulating the teacher, I suspect, but also because it was truly fascinating to hear the passion from the teacher for moments that weren't necessarily required to be taught.

However, unless you're some first year teacher who's not firm enough with the class or somethng, I'm sure you know what's happening, that the students are trying to distract you, whether that distraction is motivated with malicious intent or genuine curiosity being mostly irrelevant. How much do you factor in these possible tangents into the day? Do you keep track in your head, like, "we've covered almost everything I planned today, might as well humor them, this could be fun"?

Submitted November 18, 2020 at 01:33PM by blossom- https://ift.tt/3nCfoC4