Monday, August 29, 2011

What about... My First Week!!!???

Well, my first week is over and I couldn't be more pleased. I have introduced the Big 7, Rules, and Hand Puppets as my first Brain Toy!!!! I am waiting another month before I introduce Mind Soccer as a reward for winning the Scoreboard challenge.

The look on my kid's faces when they give me a "one second party" makes my entire day! I can't believe I have found something so simple yet earthshaking for my life as a teacher.  Oh Yeah!!!

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Thursday, August 18, 2011

What about... My First Day Back Whole Brain Teaching STYLE????!!!!!

OMG!!!!!!! Whole Brain Teaching to the rescue for dull school days! My first day was awsome. I covered the Rules/Routine/Procedures on the first half day and I will continue that for 3 weeks. But... today was my first whole day and I introduced the gestures for the rules as well as -Class/Yes and Mirror.

I found it easier to get them warmed up by using the rules as my opening act. The best part- they were like "Who is this woman and why is she so crazy!" They didn't say it but I could see it on their little faces.

I started by getting them to say "Oh Yeah" with me while we rubbed our hands together. They giggled and it made them more comfortable.

Next I brought in the Rules. After I went through each rule, I paused dramatically and spoke in a calm low voice explaining what was going to happen to those students who were not participating. (There were a couple, I didn't correct it at first, I just noted it out loud that they were not participating. I did it in a playful way). I did this to let everyone notice who it was that wasn't participating.

I introduced the Scoreboard at that time. I connected it to HW from our workbook and explained how much easier it would be to participate in class than do extra HW at home. It worked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Full participation. So I moved from the Rules into Class/Yes... gave some practice time... then went to Mirror. I will add the next 3 tomorrow.

Well, my class is definitely not dull and I am more happy teaching.

Good luck this year everyone.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

The New Year Has Arrived!!!!

Just wanted to add some more pics from my room. Whole Brain Teaching stuff for class coming right up!

Monday, August 15, 2011

Calm Before the Storm...

Well... I have worked all day in my room, then made an appearance at Orientation. Huh... it hasn't really started yet?

Monday, August 8, 2011