I am currently enjoying a return to WBT.

Mr. P
I would try all the things you have mentioned and up the class one minute parties as well. Have them really cheer when that scoreboard is on their side and most of all make things fun, keep your talking short, follow the 5 step lesson plan and keep them energized .

I teach year round and can tell you right now is our roughest time of year, I really pour on WBT strategies.

What is a one minute party Annette? I am getting fairly comfortable with the Big 7. Now I need to focus on using more of the WBT curriculum strategies. Superspeed reading is working well as a morning activity to go with spelling practice. The children really do enjoy it in class. I need to get used to strategies like the genius ladder and so on. Adapting WBT to our Australian Curriculum shouldn't be too hard. We have a new National Curriculum being rolled out in stages across the country. Next year schools will have the option of reporting on the new system in Mathematics and English. I am in the middle of reporting myself so when that is complete I am going to be doing lots of PowerPoint WBT lessons and use the 5 step planner. I have a pile of 5 step lesson plan outlines sitting on my desk ready to be filled in with some 5 step lessons. I am looking forward to seeing this red pen green pen thing that Chris is promoting. Was that already in a Webinar or is it going to be in the next one?

MisterP,
The one minute party Annette is referring to is related to the scoreboard. When the smilies win, the students receive 1 minute of extra recess, a 1 minute dance party, 1 minute sitting by a friend, 1 minute drawing on their white board, etc. (Hence, the 1 minute party reference). Since the scoreboard is Level 1 in our classroom management system, the reward is 1 minute. If the frownies are ahead, the students lose 1 minute of their recess.

Coach Weigel
WBT All Star Team

Whole Brain Teaching is fun!

Whole Brain Teaching engages challenging kids!

Mister P - I cannot tell you how it warms my heart to hear that things are improving. I am so happy that you are willing to keep working at this and bring your kids along for the ride. WBT is a learning process for us as well as the kids so don't worry if you are taking it in little steps. That is probably the best way to do it!

Having students nominate each other for Super Improver awards brings about an incredible change in the classroom dynamic. No longer are kids trying to one up each other. They are now building each other's confidence and level of standing in the room. In addition, they are learning respect and how to see the good in people, something our world truly needs more of.

I look forward to hearing more about your WBT journeys and I am sending good thoughts your way that the positive energy continues for you!

Kate Bowski
WBT Intern 2012-2013

www.katebowski.blogspot.com

The Super Improvers Chart is awesome!

MisterP

I am just amazed at your level of commitment! Your journey has not been easy but you are not to be distracted!

I love the idea of having the students help you with the naming of the levels. My school mascot is Tigers...(and my classroom theme is pawprints) so I thought using types of cats would be fun. I am having a hard time coming up with the hierarchy of the cats!

Also, I love the idea of Prestige! I think having a student at one of the lower levels again would be like a rallying call to the students still there for their first time!

Great ideas! I look forward to hearing more from you!

Whole Brain Teaching is great!

Today was a great WBT day. Thanks to feedback and suggestions I have received from fellow wibbeeters I am knocking the classroom management system into a shape that works for me.

Good for you! So happy to hear your news. It is an amazing feeling when we realize the positive changes in ourselves.

I just know things will continue on this path for you because of your perseverance!


Kate Bowski
WBT Intern 2012-2013

www.katebowski.blogspot.com

Congratulations and welcome to teacher heaven! It will be even stronger for you, especially because you have earned it through a trial by fire!

Whole Brain Teaching really works!

Whole Brain Teaching is cool!

MisterP:
You're an inspiration to the worldwide WBT community! Here is a 25 point certification medallion as a small reward for your energetic determination to transform your classroom with Whole Brain Teaching.
Coach B

www.yousendit.com/download/QlVqV28rdzhqV0N5VmNUQw

Thankyou so much for the encouragement Chris. WBT is really starting to work for me and I am really starting to work it. The kids are enjoying it and my classroom management has really changed. I am so much calmer now when dealing with misbehaviour. Their attitudes are really changing also. The way I am in the classroom now is really having a positive effect on them all.

I am loving the SuperSpeed Grammar PowerPoint. I have been doing a little bit of it nearly every day.

I broke one of WBT's golden rules. I complained. I complained about specific members of my community and it caught up with me. I was feeling stressed and frustrated with trying to change my ways and I said some unfair things. I am deeply sorry to members of my school community for what I said. I have gone through all of my posts and deleted anything that could refer to any specific members of my community in a negative light.

On a more positive note, I am on holidays and can't wait to get back to WBT. I even dreamed about WBT last night. I was still trying to iron out kinks in my sleep.