Singing and Dancing Clouds

The Cutest Clouds Ever

Well-Deserved Brain Breaks

Energy Expending "High Cincos" Pictured 

Melting Witch, Mountain Climbers, Triangle Pose, and More!

Ready, Set, Go!

I've enjoyed using Whole Brain Teaching's "Class-Yes" as a way to get attention, especially when I need to give some quick instructions to the whole class. This year, I am adding a piece to send them back to their work or to follow the instructions I just gave.

In order to send the class on their way, I will end directions by saying "Ready" and hitting both hands on my lap.

The kids reply by saying "Set" and clapping their hands together once.

We then all say "GO!" and raise our hands in the air.

This should help energize us to get into the next learning activity as soon as we can.

Classroom Management: Attention Getters

I'm following up last summer's post about the "Class?" "Yes!" Whole Brain Teaching method. I want to introduce this approach of bringing the class together as well as the other ways that Mrs. Glidden and I will get third grade's attention.

Class? Yes!

To get the class’ attention I say ‘Class?’ and they respond ‘Yes!’. The key is that they say "Yes!" in the same style that I said "Class?". This technique is engaging and results in students stopping what they are doing to give me their undivided attention.

If I say "Classity-class-class?" they have to reply "Yessity-yes-yes!" If I say it with a high-pitched voice, they respond with a high-pitched voice. If I whisper, they say it in a whisper. Students have to match my tone and intensity. This is where the creativity and fun come in. 

The research behind why the class-yes approach is effective can be found at  wholebrainteaching.com

Additional methods

Mrs. Glidden and I will most often use the “Class? Yes!” technique. Variations include “Hocus pocus” to which the class responds “Everybody focus,” “1-2-3 eyes on me” “1-2 eyes on you,” “Macaroni cheese” “Everybody freeze,” and “Hands on top... That means stop! (hands on heads).” We also use math facts. One of us calls out a math fact and the kids reply with the answer. For example, one time we might practice multiplication doubles or another time we could say combinations of ten. The extra practice never hurts!

Our Rules

When rules are explained a time or two and then left hanging on the wall, they are only decorations, not really part of the class. Students are not going to remember rules in the way that the teacher wants them to unless they are more intimately connected to them.

We will practice saying the rules while using both hands for the coordinating motions. 

Rule #1: Listen (point to your ears) when your teacher (kids point to me) is talking (move hands together and apart like a mouth). 

Rule #2: Follow directions quickly. (As we say this, we snap our fingers along with each word and say the rule quickly.)

Rule #3: Respect others (point out), respect yourself (point to yourself), and respect our school (point to the ground). 

Rule #4: Raise your hand (raise your right hand) to speak (make moving mouth motion) or stand (use index and middle finger to 'walk').

Rule #5: Be safe (hug yourself), be kind (cover your heart with both hands), be honest (place right hand up, like you were about to testify). 

These rules are based on the research behind Whole Brain Teaching's five classroom rules which can be found here. Studies show that the more sensory systems we engage in learning, the greater the chance of remembering. We also know that we learn best when we teach someone else. The gestures provide visuals for those watching and the kinesthetic aspect is beneficial for those reciting the rules. Students will practice the rules as a class and teach them to each other in pairs.  

In addition to ideas for the rules themselves, I have also adopted Whole Brain Teaching's method of reinforcing our rules. If students are talking while I am, I will hold up one finger and call out "rule  one" instead of the students' names. Everyone will hold up one finger while saying the "rule number one" and then announce the rule while doing its gestures. This serves as a reminder for the entire class and avoids creating a negative atmosphere. 

This method gets class rules off the walls and into the heads of students. 

Class? Yes!

Whole Brain Teaching method to bring the class together  

To get the class’ attention I simply say ‘Class?’ and they respond ‘Yes!’. The key is that they say "Yes!" in the same style that I said "Class?". This technique is engaging and results in students stopping what they are doing to give me their undivided attention.

If I say "Classity-class-class?" they have to reply "Yessity-yes-yes!" If I say it with a high-pitched voice, they respond with a high-pitched voice. If I whisper, they say it in a whisper. Students have to match my tone and intensity. This is where the creativity and fun come in. Here are two of my favorites:

"Oh Class" (response: "Oh Yes")
repeat class twice or three times

The research behind why the class-yes approach is effective can be found at  wholebrainteaching.com