tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post5971850911883761925..comments2023-07-20T04:22:29.680-07:00Comments on Whole Brain Teaching Book Club II: Chapters 26-29Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02799364836309543715noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-82295736956669054102016-04-14T08:09:55.430-07:002016-04-14T08:09:55.430-07:00Geni,
Your choices point to a closer bond that you...Geni,<br />Your choices point to a closer bond that you are building with your students! WBT is a wonderful way to help that happen as we develop classrooms filled with fun, communication and partnership! Here are 25 certification points!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12741828664350486574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-8532922507037553792016-04-12T17:57:50.810-07:002016-04-12T17:57:50.810-07:00Chapter 26 – Creating leadership teams within the ...Chapter 26 – Creating leadership teams within the classroom will assist me in becoming a better teacher by allowing students to take more of a management role. Students love to feel as if they are in charge. They want others to listen to them. They want to feel valued. Students can learn to govern themselves through the leadership teams.<br /><br />Chapter 27 – I use class/yes every day in my class. It allows me to quickly and easily gain the attention of my class, provide necessary information amongst chaos, and organize students effectively.<br /><br />Chapter 28 – The positive reinforcement WBT incorporates has allowed me to become closer to my students. I have always held high expectations for my students, but now, I have learned a new way to not be the drill sergeant. I now can make suggestions, award super improver stars, and see those expectations met!<br /><br />Chapter 29 – I have seen the WBT strategies work wonders with students who have struggled to no avail. Statistics such as ELL students scoring over 94% in ELA and Math with the help of wonderful WBT teachers is amazing to me!<br /><br />Geni AingeAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09465895949895049758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-44889319826202152062015-10-25T15:38:03.017-07:002015-10-25T15:38:03.017-07:00Kelly,
Isn't it wonderful to see actual result...Kelly,<br />Isn't it wonderful to see actual results that prove the WBT is really helping our students? Following the simple procedures and strategies is truly beneficial to both teachers and students! Here are 25 certification points and a 5 point bonus!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12741828664350486574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-91209955686608452582015-10-24T04:31:56.040-07:002015-10-24T04:31:56.040-07:00Chapter 26:
In my opinion, the benefit of selecti...Chapter 26:<br /><br />In my opinion, the benefit of selecting children to become student leaders is immeasurable. It excites me to think about the positive effects this technique will have on my students socially, emotionally, and academically. I love the idea of choosing several students to train on new material. This allows them to be an active part in the presentation and delivery of a lesson. I feel that by letting them create gestures and assigning each of them to a key point of the lesson delivery, the result will lead to increased self-esteem as well as a self-managed, student-centered classroom. <br /><br />Not only will they benefit, but so will my other students and me. To score "Highly Effective" in the state of Louisiana, the domains state that students must be actively engaged with one another, and much of the class discussion and problem solving should be student-led. I can already see the positive impact student leaders will have in my classroom, and I cannot wait to get started!<br /><br />Chapter 27:<br /><br />This is my second year to use the Super Improvers Team. This is by far the most powerful tool I have ever seen. Because one of my two Student Learning Targets states that my targeted students must increase one grade level on their STAR (Accelerated Reader) test in reading by the end of the school year in order for me to be scored as Highly Effective, I have tied my SIT into academic achievements as well as behavioral successes. My students receive a sticker on their star for every 100% they score on an A.R. test. This naturally motivates them to read. Last year, I successfully met my SLT and even had two students increase FIVE grade levels on their independent reading level based on STAR data. (I promise I am not even exaggerating!) Needless to say, a big 8x10 framed photograph currently hangs on my “Captain of the Crew” wall!<br /><br />Chapter 28:<br /><br />The research is proven, and I have now experienced it first hand with this being my second year as a WBT teacher. The positive classroom environment is like nothing I have ever seen. The techniques promote 100% student engagement, and as a result, students simply cannot “fall through the cracks”. In return, academic performance is at its optimal level for ALL students because of memory retention and just downright fun. Honestly, several of my students from last year stop my classroom every morning and say, “I wish my teacher this year taught Whole Brain Teaching”.<br /><br />Chapter 29:<br /><br />The statistics are EVIDENT. The techniques are EXCITING. The students are fully ENGAGED, and the teacher is not EXHAUSTED! Student growth can only be optimized when every component of a student’s brain is fully engaged, and that is the mission of WBT. I am not a “toot your own horn” kind of girl at all, but when my principal emailed me last year (upon completion of my first year of implementing WBT techniques) and stated that the data indicates my students had the most reading growth in our entire school, I was literally blown away. As I read her email with tears in my eyes, all I could think was, “Thank you Coach B. and the WBT Executive Board for your efforts in making a difference in classrooms WORLDWIDE.” <br /><br />Kelly Avery<br />WBT Intern<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13403020163808085972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-34260345634174233962015-10-13T18:53:09.882-07:002015-10-13T18:53:09.882-07:00That's great!That's great!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12741828664350486574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-40725824996332033622015-10-12T04:06:06.689-07:002015-10-12T04:06:06.689-07:00It was an incredible day watching two students who...It was an incredible day watching two students who initially I did not think could be leaders but I love how they are overcoming their challenges. My new iep for one of them is based on their new found love of WB.Christina Chapanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14398723410419941899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-40495117211387171762015-10-11T14:47:34.561-07:002015-10-11T14:47:34.561-07:00Chris,
Nice job! I like the idea of having your st...Chris,<br />Nice job! I like the idea of having your students review the steps to the tornado drill with gestures! Awesome! Here are 25 certification points and 5 point bonus!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12741828664350486574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-50846243483934577902015-10-09T04:46:50.454-07:002015-10-09T04:46:50.454-07:00Chapter 26
A big push with the Danielson’s Model i...Chapter 26<br />A big push with the Danielson’s Model in which we are evaluated on deals with training your class to run itself. This is a challenge for students who are developmentally and behaviorally challenged but I believe it is not impossible. I work hard using WBT methods to train leaders. For example I take what jobs that they gravitate to and allow them to do it for an extended period of time. I have a computer tech, a greeter and a student who basically runs my morning meeting. I also have found many of my students are just as good explaining concepts as myself if I am willing to give up control and allow them to instruct in their own unique way to their fellow students.<br /><br />Chapter 27<br />Almost by accident have my students discovered hands and eyes. Even more than me they use it along side of mirror to get their fellow students’ attention. It makes me so happy to see that my students see the importance of getting everyone’s attention before they start instruction. Today at a tornado drill my resource class was in the room unexpectantly and it gave me great joy to watch my self- contained students teach the other resource students the steps with gestures for a effective tornado drill.<br /><br />Chapter 28<br />I really like how Whole Brain is a technique that helps each learner and takes Direct Instruction and Cooperative Learning to a new level. Using the variety of micro-lecturing, kinesthetic instruction DI, and CL together you help the learner learn in a variety of ways. I also like the fact that it gets kids excited about learning because the reward of learning is intrinsic and that when one person does well the whole classroom celebrates together and more shy learners are not afraid to fail because it is a errorless experience and plenty of classroom support.<br /><br />Chapter 29<br /><br />I absolutely love that with WBT there are less office referrals. I truly believe if students think that they are having fun they are willing to learn. I also believe that most students no matter their age want to please the teacher and will do anything if instruction will motivate them to learn. Last I believe the need for belonging is enhanced with WBT and students who are teacher assistants are much more fun that teacher annoyers.<br /><br /><br />Christina Chapanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14398723410419941899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-26528356917156661912015-09-07T09:50:49.656-07:002015-09-07T09:50:49.656-07:00Wendy,
It is nice to have these facts and statisti...Wendy,<br />It is nice to have these facts and statistics when we are sharing our love of WBT! It makes us realize even more what a great program this is! Here are 25 certification points!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12741828664350486574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-31427621700088695132015-09-06T20:23:00.982-07:002015-09-06T20:23:00.982-07:00Chapter 26-
This chapter helped me to brainstorm ...Chapter 26- <br />This chapter helped me to brainstorm ideas of how i can encourage leadership in my kindergarten classroom. I already have leaders that 'teach' the 6 rules daily. They lead us as we recite them. They LOVE this job and take it very seriously. Also, I use the SIW to help build leadership in my littles. I will utilize some other ideas like leading 'three-sies'. and mirror, and eyes and hands. I think positive leadership is so important and to utilize challenging kids sometimes is a great approach. Placing them in a leadership role can really make their self- esteem sky rocket.<br /><br />Chapter 27-<br />This chapter helped me organize the WBT in my head better!! I loved the layout and ease of the text. I already use all of the Big 7 and have for the last four years. I love hearing new ideas on them and reading more on people's blogs and on the WBT website. For the Scoreboard I use levels 1-3 consistently. I have not needed to try levels 4-7. The SIW is my favorite tool from all the Big 7. The amount of buy in I get from my kinders is incredible. We improve individually in many ways. Academically, socially, behaviorally, and we learn how to work as a team and 'family' they are so happy for each other. I have had many teachers in my distric come through and watch me utilize the SIW. It is the most talked about item in my room when we have our follow up visits. <br />Chapter 28- <br />This article was a great read. It reminded me of other teaching ideas and strategies I've learned through the years, but hadn't really tied them with WBT in this way. My favorites were the cooperative teaching comparison. I loved how WBT has all 5 components for great cooperative teaching to flow. Also, in college I wrote a lot about Vygotsky and the scaffolding approach. Kids learn mor eif they work with someone that 'gets' it a little more than them. The Zone of Proximal Development and how it relates to WBT was an awesome concept for me to see. I also liked seeing the positives and negatives spelled out for both teachers and students. Positive reinforcement, memory retention using brain, engagement, building community are all things that make WBT so incredible. <br /><br />Chapter 29-<br />WOW!! I am going to share these stats with the teachers that come through my class to watch me teach WBT as a model teacher in my district!!! This just helped me say a ten finger wahoo even more than I already do about WBT. Stats do not lie, and these are too important not to shout from the rooftops:)wee3850https://www.blogger.com/profile/17066421660921433819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-5108250759988418722015-08-29T12:23:08.177-07:002015-08-29T12:23:08.177-07:00Susan,
Your administration will love the engagemen...Susan,<br />Your administration will love the engagement they will see in your classroom this year! As a new WBT instructor, remember to take baby steps as you begin! Keep visiting the grade level FB pages and the main website forum for encouragement and new ideas. There is a wealth of support out there for you! Here are 25 certification points!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12741828664350486574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-32118043151284261092015-08-29T12:21:57.013-07:002015-08-29T12:21:57.013-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12741828664350486574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-70032625345691423822015-08-28T11:54:18.154-07:002015-08-28T11:54:18.154-07:00Four ideas that will definitely improve my teachin...Four ideas that will definitely improve my teaching:<br /><br />Chapter 26: When a teacher encourages students to become leaders in the classroom is very empowering. Students’ confidence and self-esteem will increase as they take over these roles. I also believe this would increase more ownership in the classroom itself, and the goals students are achieving. As leaders, they will feel more responsibility for what is happening in their classroom.<br /><br />Chapter 27: This is my first year as a Whole Brain Teacher so the Big Seven will definitely be my focus as I begin. These are the foundation I will teach from. I will gradually add the other components as the year progresses. I am looking forward to the engagement my students will have this year, both with me and other students. I believe this foundation will be crucial to everything I do.<br /><br />Chapter 28: This chapter concisely explained the research behind Whole Brain Thinking. The research will be helpful as I explain to administrators and fellow teachers the work I am doing. (I am the only teacher in my district using Whole Brain Teaching!) This chapter also helps me explain why I have chosen to teach this way: the positive behavior management system, more student engagement, higher order thinking skills, and better memory retention.<br /><br />Chapter 29: Data! Data! Data! This is what now drives our educational system. I love that this chapter is full of data to back up what I believe about Whole Brain Teaching. The data will be very useful to share with my teaching partners and principal. This provides a foundation for choosing Whole Brain Teaching.<br />Susan Abrahamsehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05548084076545310607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-45403735821197549002015-07-31T10:58:46.149-07:002015-07-31T10:58:46.149-07:00Courtney,
You will be amazed when you add the Supe...Courtney,<br />You will be amazed when you add the Super Improver Team! Find a fun theme of levels and go for it! There are lots of free cute ones on Teachers Pay Teachers. It is so motivating, and you won't have to spend any money! Here are 25 certification points and a 5 point bonus.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12741828664350486574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-38053513338403647012015-07-30T17:35:55.126-07:002015-07-30T17:35:55.126-07:00Chapter 26 – Choosing students as leaders would be...Chapter 26 – Choosing students as leaders would be a great idea in my classroom. I had already planned on having the “Star Student” (weekly) lead us in the rules each morning but I never considered having leaders assist in other areas of Whole Brain Teaching. It becomes more of a collaborative effort. I could see how the leadership opportunities in the classroom would also help academics. I like the idea of pulling a group of leaders and having them help create the gestures. <br />Chapter 27- I have only used the Scoreboard level of Whole Brain Teaching but I am looking forward to incorporating the other levels in my classroom this school year. They will all lead me to being a better educator but I think that the Guff Counter and Super Improvers Team are the two that I am looking forward to the most. I want to teach my students how to set goals and work towards them. I think the Guff Counter will be an asset in dealing with my challenging students.<br />Chapter 28- I strongly believe that the entire system of Whole Brain Teaching will improve my teaching. I am so excited to fully implement it this year. The engagement level that is present in the classroom is something that most teachers strive to obtain. The positive behavior reinforcement is a section of this system that will work so well with the majority of my students. For those students that are still challenging, Whole Brain Teaching provides additional levels that rescue you!<br />Chapter 29- The statistics do not lie! I have the potential of raising test scores with Whole Brain Teaching. I sat through a three hour meeting today about how low our school’s Math scores were last year. I look forward to telling my colleagues more about Whole Brain Teaching than I have already shared with them.<br /><br />-Courtney WoodAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14676379263804066525noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-44896867356264119522015-07-07T09:18:03.856-07:002015-07-07T09:18:03.856-07:00Bethann,
I love your comment "So much energy ...Bethann,<br />I love your comment "So much energy and focus was spent on engaging the students in language learning and task based activities. As a result, I was able to move beyond the grade level curriculum and provide students with higher level creative thinking experiences." Perfect! Here are 25 certification points!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12741828664350486574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-76601676334411327642015-07-07T05:59:11.406-07:002015-07-07T05:59:11.406-07:00WBT offers several techniques to enhance my teachi...WBT offers several techniques to enhance my teaching. Outlined below are ways I include, or intend to include these techniques. <br /> <br />Chapter 26: Allowing students to take leadership roles in their class builds confidence. Children have opportunities to participate in the development of lessons. Engaging students in this way also creates another level of reinforcement and retention. My Spanish classes are largely based on routines. As the year progresses and the students have adjusted to the expectations, I choose student leaders to begin our class, lead student games, lead discussions, or lead songs. The children are invested in their learning and I am able to become a guide from the side. The children teach and learn from one another. <br /><br />Chapter 27: I have been using The Big Seven components of WBT consistently with my Spanish students from grades K-6 for 3 years. I intend to continue with these techniques as I have found great success both academically and behaviorally. So much energy and focus was spent on engaging the students in language learning and task based activities. As a result, I was able to move beyond the grade level curriculum and provide students with higher level creative thinking experiences. My 6th graders, for example were able to dabble in 7th grade Spanish language skills. The students were also creating their own attention getters and challenging other grade levels to challenges on the scoreboard and to beat the clock. I will be introducing the Guff Counter this coming school year and potentially the Independents. At the close of the school year, two new students moved into the 4th grade, now 5th graders, upsetting the dynamic. I strongly believe that these students behaved as they did as a defense mechanism to their new circumstances. Instead of backing them into a corner, I am prepared to deflate any inappropriate behavior with these techniques. <br /><br />Chapter 28: WBT encourages motivation and student progress for any grade, any ability, and any subject. Increasing motivation and participation through games helps students practice and break personal records in fun, interactive ways. In Spanish, we play a game called, Gesture Battles in which a student leader calls out a Spanish term and 2 students “battle” to correctly give the gesture that corresponds to the term and say the English translation first. This is a class favorite. Student centered activities help me assess student learning as well as possible gaps in my lessons while the students apply their knowledge in a variety of formats. <br /><br />Chapter 29: Just as we evaluate our students, we need to be constantly evaluating and learning about ourselves as educators. Researching and learning about best practices, gaining feedback from the community that we teach in, as well as from our own colleagues will benefit our own effectiveness in classroom management and productivity. We should be constantly refining our strategies as we are constantly teaching different children with a variety of skill sets and backgrounds. <br /><br />Bethann Barneman <br />Beebarnemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15716483013691309831noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-14618171400705172042015-05-07T09:57:12.174-07:002015-05-07T09:57:12.174-07:00Hannah,
Isn't it great to have the research to...Hannah,<br />Isn't it great to have the research to back up these fantastic practices? I love you statement "My test scores have grown because my students, who have troubled behavior, are learning to control their urges and understand how to be productive students and members of society"! Great job, here are 25 certification points!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12741828664350486574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-90625964828151588612015-05-07T08:24:01.452-07:002015-05-07T08:24:01.452-07:00Chapter 26- My students are learning content, but ...Chapter 26- My students are learning content, but are also learning how to become productive members of society. I feel that creating leaders out of these children is important because it gives them a sense of self-worth and allows them to become responsible and productive adults in the future. I change out my leaders throughout the quarter. Sometimes I keep leaders for longer than others, but it is because these are my most challenging kids and need to feel like they are important in the classroom. This ideally creates collaboration, positive peer pressure, and an overall happy classroom. My challenging kids feel like they are contributing to the classroom by being a leader. I have one student in particular who has been my Class-Yes leader for about two months now. I even added a leadership category to his point sheet, so that he also must meet a daily goal of being a leader for his peers. He has always gotten his points for being a leader, even when he may lose points in other categories. This has been a game-changer for me. I have seen a completely different side of him since he has taken this leadership role. He even asked me if he could be the Class-Yes leader for the rest of the school year. We only have three weeks left, so I told him that I would love for him to continue his leadership with Class-Yes. Creating leaders will create a better future for all! <br /><br />Chapter 27- Constantly reviewing the five rules has helped my tremendously. Students get wrapped up in their social lives, sports, and state testing, and forget about how to behave properly in the classroom. When my new students arrive next year, I will begin discussing the five rules with them on the first day. It is so important that students understand the importance of these rules and that they will be followed all the time. I will use the other big seven to help me teach these rules to my students. I want them to understand that I have high standards for my students both in academics and in behavior. I also want them to know that I will be creating leaders out of them so that they can go into the world and make a difference.<br /><br />Chapter 28- I am a big believer that collaboration among peers is super important, both for building self-esteem and for excelling in academics. Cooperating with one another is important because student interaction helps create students that are socially competent. Some of my students don’t get taught what it is like to cooperate and collaborate with others at home. They have parents that have not taught them the social skills they need to succeed. Practicing vocabulary words together, discussing the main idea of a story, and collaborating on a group project are all important for cooperative learning. I really enjoy doing team projects that involve giving student specific jobs and responsibilities. This helps students achieve a sense of accountability and responsibility in the classroom. <br /><br />Chapter 29- I can really relate to the research in this chapter that stated, “In poverty level schools in San Jacinto, California in a district that is 98% free and reduced lunch and 80% Hispanic, students’ reading scores in WBT classrooms showed a 12% increase, in three months, over students in non-WBT settings” (Biffle, 191). I teach in a high-poverty school where around 80% of our children are on free or reduced lunch. We have a high population of African American and Hispanic students as well. My students have changed their behavior and their academic progress because of how I use WBT in my classroom. They have learned how to react in negative situations, how to self-assess their behavior, and how to collaborate and cooperate with their peers. My test scores have grown because my students, who have troubled behavior, are learning to control their urges and understand how to be productive students and members of society. I am enthralled that I came across WBT and that I have allowed myself to use every tool I can to grow as a teacher and as a leader in the classroom. Thanks WBT!Hannah Meachamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03911654286814990276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-31406290671265739612015-05-02T19:44:09.652-07:002015-05-02T19:44:09.652-07:00Shila,
It's never too late to begin your leade...Shila,<br />It's never too late to begin your leadership training! Your students will LOVE it! Here are 25 certification points and a 5 point bonus!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12741828664350486574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-85999631324219683242015-05-01T17:02:57.248-07:002015-05-01T17:02:57.248-07:00Chapter 26: How have I missed this? I can’t belie...Chapter 26: How have I missed this? I can’t believe I have yet to have students lead the rules and other techniques. Students frequently use the “because” clapper on their own and often acknowledge a guff without me even saying anything, but I haven’t begun the leadership training. This step starts Monday! I will begin by picking someone to lead us in the rules. I think it will also give a positive leadership role to some students that try to get attention in a negative way. I think all they want is attention, and they resort to negative behaviors. Perhaps, if we (me and the students) acknowledge them with attention in a positive way, maybe some of the negative attention getting behaviors will decrease. <br />Chapter 27: I’ve been using “The Big Seven” for years and have had the pleasure of sharing it with many of my colleagues. Teachers are encouraged to visit each other’s classrooms and the WBT strategies I have implemented have really created a “buzz”. I love sharing with other teachers and feel my success is directly attributed to the instructional techniques supported by WBT. I have consistently used level 1-4, but I’m interested in using level 5-7 for my more challenging students.<br />Chapter 28: I’ve frequently been told by my administration that they enjoy observing my classroom. I think that they are intrigued by both the classroom management strategies, but also the instructional strategies. “Whole Brain Teaching combines attributes of Direct Instruction and Cooperative Learning into one system of strategies designed to be centered around student learning.” My kids work extremely well in partners and in groups because they get so much practice with it when we do “teach, ok”. <br />Chapter 29: I think that a key idea in this chapter is that “there is a direct correlation between the effectiveness of a classroom management system and an instructor’s enthusiastic implementation of the system.” My administration has encouraged teachers to implement WBT strategies in the classroom and I have noticed the teachers that have reaped the most benefits are the ones that are consistent, enthusiastic, and believe in the strategies. <br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07432576385138784835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-43994628961939468342015-05-01T16:59:36.753-07:002015-05-01T16:59:36.753-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07432576385138784835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-75458285509409146732015-01-21T15:26:32.815-08:002015-01-21T15:26:32.815-08:00Thank you! I appreciate you going through all of m...Thank you! I appreciate you going through all of my postings so thoughtfully!! :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18153138585006464659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-42396155101658834962015-01-20T19:47:00.274-08:002015-01-20T19:47:00.274-08:00Brianne,
I love your idea of having your students ...Brianne,<br />I love your idea of having your students choose 2 of your 5 leaders each week! What an honor! You made several strong points in your essay, proving how effective WBT can be in any classroom! Here are 25 certification points and a 5 point bonus!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12741828664350486574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293751270204245792.post-31608842053137436652015-01-17T11:13:39.077-08:002015-01-17T11:13:39.077-08:00In order to improve my classroom teaching, I’ve be...In order to improve my classroom teaching, I’ve been assigning classroom leaders, which has been a critical part of my ever-evolving Whole Brain classroom! I’ve been assigning them weekly, and they love to come in on the first day of the week to see if they have been chosen to be one of 5 classroom leaders. I select 3 leaders myself, and I also have the kids privately vote for the other two. They must think about which of their classmates has followed the rules best that week, and they are not allowed to vote for themselves. It is nice to see them picking-out their classmates for the right reasons. When they are the one selected, they are so humbled! I love that the classroom leaders are in charge of doing/saying certain things and having the responsibility of living up to their title! I can’t wait to try planning a lesson with some of my students and seeing how they do in presenting it to the class!<br /><br />Also, I know I am definitely trying to use more mirrors in my teaching! It is such a powerful, fun tool to use in cementing material in class. It is also an easy, instant way of assessing the attention of the students in your classroom. With a quick glance, I know who needs to be put back on task, and I will often gesture in any distracted student’s direction or will stand right next to them as I use mirrors.<br /><br />As stated by Kousar, “Clear goals, structured time, and immediate academic feedback to students,” are the main elements of direct instruction, which is aptly and amply used with Whole Brain Teaching techniques. Cooperative learning is, once again, also demonstrated with great positive effects using WBT. This study also states, “WBT exemplifies the philosophy that teachers educate the whole child, not simply teach one subject area at a time.” I think this idea is amazing and something that I really want to keep in the forefront of my mind as I continue teaching. This is the way teaching should be! It is so vitally important not just to teach content, but to teach everything that would be useful for the whole child and their future: critical thinking, socialization skills, conflict management, etc. These are all components that make a well-rounded adult, and as a teacher, I would like to strive for this idea of teaching my students to be better human beings.<br /><br />Finally, Superintendent Dale Marsden of the Victor Elementary School District states, “Chris Biffle’s approach to WBT comes at a time when teachers need fresh skills that quickly engage students for ‘bell to bell’ instruction. Though teaching always requires a great deal of energy from any teacher, those who have made WBT routine in their classrooms are finding their energy is well spent on mastery learning for all students.” I agree whole-heartedly with this sentiment! I know I am striving to teach for as much time as I am given, to cram-in as much as I can with the precious time that my students and I have together. I love watching my students utilize WBT techniques each day and am so impressed with the amount of information that they are able to retain and utilize at later times. I often am left wonderstruck when I ask them about content that we haven’t spoken about in depth for months, and they are able to tell me all about it with gestures! Whole Brain Teaching absolutely has had a tremendously positive effect on my teaching and more importantly, on the self-confidence and vast successes of my students! <br /><br />-Brianne Betz<br />Third grade teacher, New JerseyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18153138585006464659noreply@blogger.com