Pages 95-97
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Chapter 14: Scoreboard Levels
Which of the Scoreboard levels are you most likely to use next year … and how long do you estimate you will stay at each level?
Pages 95-97
Full credit: 25 WBT Certification Points
Partial credit: 10 WBT Certification Points
Reminder: Please sign your post with your real first and last name.
Pages 95-97
Full credit: 25 WBT Certification Points
Partial credit: 10 WBT Certification Points
Reminder: Please sign your post with your real first and last name.
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Kay Spencer
ReplyDeleteChapter 14
The Scoreboard component has been a motivating system in our classroom. I’m anxious to take it to the next level.
I will use level one along with a variety of the Scoreboard strategies for the entire year. I have appreciated that an individual may be responsible for a smiley, but that an individual student is not punished for negative behavior. My students would feel defeated if an individual caused the entire class to receive a frowny.
Level two, Super Improvers Team, will work well in our class. I will begin this level the second month of school. The color coded scale fits in nicely with our reading and math assessments. I administer the assessment several times during the school year, so I plan to implement the Super Improvers Team during those periods of assessment.
Level Three, Practice Cards, is another level I want to implement. I envision this level being used primarily for chronic behavior problems. I will begin using it early in the year. I believe the white card is a positive way to help the student. Allowing the student to rehearse the rule will be powerful, and a note home will involve the family. My students will respond well to the white card. The purple card will really encourage positive behavior, and the green card will simply be another opportunity to teach and learn self discipline.
Level four, The Guff Counter, is also a level I will use throughout the year. My students who exhibit disrespectful behavior will not want to be emotionally isolated. Guff Counter will be effective.
Kay,
DeleteThe Scoreboard levels really support your classroom's needs. The SIT has an amazing ability to reach and inspire all types of learners. Be creative as you focus on class and individual goals. Here are 25 points for you!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteChapter 14 Scoreboard Levels Bethany Kirkland
ReplyDeleteI began this year using Scoreboard Level One, which has been very successful with my class. After Fall Break, I plan to implement Level Two, the Super Improver Scoreboard. Level Two provides more individual attention and reinforcement for student improvement. I feel that my students will respond well by striving to improve and moving up the various levels. I love that Level Two addresses individual goals and that students are encouraged to improve depending on the goal individualized for them.
Level Three, Practice Cards, will be introduced in January for any student that needs an extra push or anyone who is not showing progress with Level two. This level is great for reinforcing positive behavior and the practice of “forgotten” rules.
I will try the Guff Encounter for one of my behavior challenged students who has a diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. I will carefully observe his reaction to peer guidance. Levels five through seven may not be needed for my special needs, elementary level students. However, no Whole Brain Teaching strategy will be overlooked while striving to encourage positive and engaged student behavior!
Bethany,
DeleteYes,the Practice Cards are "rule rehearsal" cards that take scolding out of your classroom! Oh, yeah! I found the SIT really helpful with an ODD student I had. Be careful of editing your posts..."I feel that my students will respond well by striving to improve and moving up the various levels." Here are 20 points for you!
I will most likely use the scoreboard level of one because it’s something I can use all year in different variations to make it more entertaining for the class. In addition, I would use level 3 after the first month of school and use it for a couple of months until I felt behaviors were improving. Level 3 helps pinpoint specific and individual behaviors. It also allows time for student reflection and responsibility for their actions (positive and negative). With 3rd grade, verbal complaints, talking back, rolling eyes and pouting occur. I would use level 4 early on in the school year too and continue to use it throughout the year until it seems behaviors have improved. This way, inappropriate behaviors are shown to be unacceptable from the very beginning. Level 3 and 4 are contingent on how well students are able to develop before they are removed.
ReplyDeleteLiz Cheney
Liz,
ReplyDeleteYou are right, level 3 does allow time for them to reflect upon their behavior which is very important! Here are 25 certification points!
Carrie Wood
ReplyDeleteWBT
Ch.14 Scoreboard Levels
I will use level 1, The Scoreboard, all year long because I can change it up with different holidays and units of study to make it more interesting for my class. My students receive instant positive reinforcement when they get a smiley, and a frowny when they need to improve. The daily rewards keep them motivated and focused on learning.
In addition, I will use level 2, Super Improvers Team, all year to pinpoint specific and individual academic or behavior goals for each student. Students are competing with themselves to become better students.
Carrie Wood
Carrie,
DeleteI agree, the scoreboard really does help keep them motivated and focused on learning! You will want to use Level One of the Scoreboard everyday all year long. You will also want to pull from your bag of tricks and have variations ready for when the enthusiasm starts to fade. It needs to continue to be your daily motivator. For Level Two the SIT, you will want to try and introduce this within the first three weeks. Rewarding improvement should be our number one teaching goal, so it's important to get this up as soon as possible. In your future posts, try and include more detail in your writing to reach those college level literacy standards. Here are 20 Certification Points for you!
I will definitely begin with Level One: The Scoreboard. I will use this method all year to instantly reward positive behavior and punish negative behavior. Children will work hard to earn a smiley and they will also work hard to avoid getting a frowny. I like this method because it is easy to modify and change up during the year to avoid habituation. My Scoreboard is on laminated poster board so I like to tape different types of happy/sad pictures over the smile and frown. My kindergartners love to help decide upon different variations of Mighty Oh Yeah! and Mighty Groan!
ReplyDeleteNext year I will add Level Two: Super Improvers Team, after about the first six weeks of school. This gives the students time to become familiar with the Scoreboard and gives me time to get to know my children and identify each one’s strengths and weaknesses. I believe that the Super Improvers Team is an awesome tool because it allows students to compete only with themselves, and the goals do not have to be academic. Although never blatantly brought to the attention of the class, struggling students know that they are behind and so do their classmates. Individualized goals allow these students to experience successes and be proud of their accomplishments. Level Two is a great motivator for children at all academic and social levels.
Julia Simons
Julia,
DeleteI hope you will go ahead and add your Super Improvers Team now rather than waiting for next year. You will love the results! It works well to start it after the first 3 weeks of school. Look into all the other levels as well, the Practice Cards are also a fabulous tool! It would have been great to get a bit more detail in your post explaining your reasoning. Here are 20 Certification Points!
This year I have only used Level One. It has worked well in my room and my students love earning smiley faces and the rewards that accompany them winning on the score board. After the holiday break I plan to implement Level Two-The Super Improvers Team. I am excited to see how the students will move up the color coded ladder to try and reach the top. I would like to see more students show kindness by helping one another and using kind words. Closer to the end of the year I would like to move to Level Three- The Practice Card.
ReplyDeleteNext year I will start with the Level One- The Scoreboard because it easy for my students to grasp and I want them to understand and appreciate what it feels like to work together and win. However, next year I do not think I will use Level One for as long as I have this year. After the first nine weeks I will move to Level Two-The Super Improver Team. After the holiday break or around the third nine weeks, I will move to Level Three- The Practice Card. Depending on next year’s class and the behaviors displayed I may move to Level Four- The Guff Counter.
I think that Level Four-The Guff Counter will work on some of my students in this year’s class as there are two students that are very rebellious at times and do not think before they speak or get out of their seats. This leads me to two questions I have about the Scoreboard Levels. How long should they be in place? And can you skip from one level to the next? Let’s say from Level One to Level Four. Thanks
Brandi Young
Brandi,
DeleteI'm glad you are planning on adding the SIT. I would suggest that you go ahead and add it now since there are still many other levels that you can add after the holidays. A great time to introduce the SIT is about three weeks after school starts at the beginning of the year. It's not too late to add it now though! Better late than never! The Scoreboard is actually used all year long, but you can add some variety to it with the suggestions from Chapter 11 (Ping-Pong, marker moves, boom box, fake, doubler, pirates, drum roll, beat the clock etc.) to avoid habituation. To address your other question, you should progress through the levels in order. Check out Coach Biffle's webcast Monday evening. He is working through these levels one week at a time. If you miss the webcast, you can view it on the WBT website at any time. Here are 25 certification points!
I enjoy using Level 1: The scoreboard and will continue to use this level the rest of the school year and on into next school year. I like how the scoreboard increases group effort; however, it doesn't hold an individual student accountable nor does it punish for negative behavior.
ReplyDeleteLevel 2: The Super Improvers Team- I haven't implemented this yet but plan to next year. I like how each student is striving to set and break personal records rather than having to be done in a group effort. This holds each indvidual student personally accountable for his or her own actions/behaviors. This level focuses on every student.
Level 3: Practice cards. I plan on implementing this level to address individual behavior problems specifically. I love the idea of a student receving a white card and having to rehearse during recess the rule that was broken and then having to take a note home to their parents describing their negative behavior. Total accountability.
Level 4: The Guff Counter is awesome and I plan on implementing this one immediately. This in a way takes away the teacher always being the one to get onto that student who makes poor choices by speaking or acting disrespectfully. The disrespectful student finds himself or herself isolated and when he or she is disrespectful the entire class will say, "Please, stop!" I LOVE IT!!!!
Karlyn Davis
Karlyn,
DeleteI agree, the scoreboard does increase group effort without pinpointing that one misbehaving child. The Scoreboard is a great tool to use throughout the entire year! I hope that you try the Super Improvers Team (level 2) this year, you will love the results! It is often introduced around the third week of school, but you can easily implement it now. The SIT motivates students and often will help you avoid having to assign as many Practice Cards (level 3). The Guff Counter is meant to be level 4, after the other three levels have been introduced. You will find that you have less Guff due to using those other levels. For more information, watch Coach Biffle's webcast Monday. If you miss it, you can see it on the WBT website at any time. He will be discussing the Guff counter this week. Here are 25 certification points.
Chapter 14/Scoreboard Levels
ReplyDeleteDeborah Gardner
I will be using Level One: The Scoreboard, for the entire year. This is a powerful and positive classroom management system, which has transformed my classroom into an optimistic environment even when “punishment” is needed for rule violations. My class especially enjoys the drum roll for a Smilie and totally understands what the “Mega Mighty Groan” truly means for the class.
Level Two: Super Improvers Team is my next step. I am planning on using this management system just prior to our fall break and continue throughout the remainder of the school year. I am convinced that competing and striving to break personal records will certainly enhance some of the challenging students’ behavior issues in a positive and non-threatening manner. I also appreciate the Super Improvers Team addressing academic improvement as well. This is a great component of WBT.
I am intrigued by Level Three: Practice Cards. I think that this may be a positive way to deal with the behavior issues of only a few students, but also a manner to affirm positive successes with the purple notes home. I am planning on starting with the Level Three: Practice Cards in January, and again completing the school year with it.
Level Four: The Guff Counter. “One of the many beauties of the Guff Counter is that the guffing student finds herself isolated…the entire class exclaims, ‘Please, stop!’ ” I will be putting this into practice immediately. Being the disciplinarian all of the time can be quite discouraging for a teacher. Having the class discipline a student who is constantly talking out/out of turn will be a welcome relief!
Deborah Gardner
Deborah,
DeleteIt looks like you have a great plan and some great tools to implement in your classroom. I'm excited for you to start your Super Improvers Team! You will love the results! Here are 25 certification points!
Julia Berry / Chapter14 / October
ReplyDeleteThe Scoreboard Levels I am most likely to use are levels one, two, three, and four. Level one, will be used for the entire year with multiple variations (Doubler, Pirates, Beat the Clock, and Mystery Road). Hopefully, the Ping-Pong Scoreboard strategy will have an impact on the students that choose not to make smart choices. Ping-Pong will be used throughout the year to reward groups who are stay on track.
I plan to diligently focus on not drawing attention to the individual behaviors of the student(s), and keep on rewarding the groups that follow the rules.
The Level Two Super Improvers Team will be introduced during the second nine weeks of school. My gifted students will love trying to break their personal records and at the same time, they’ll help my negative behaviors stay on track as needed. I have several students that would benefit from using the Super Improvers Team technique for their behavior. Hopefully, their behaviors will be more on track by the second semester. Level two, will be used for the remainder year to keep all students on track.
Level Three (practice cards) will be used after the first nine weeks for those who constantly refuse to follow the class rules. Hopefully, I will not have to use Level Three very long (a week or two), but I can always revert back when needed.
Level Four (Guff Counter) is great for students with disrespectful behavior. I have always taught my students to be respectful to their peers and not make hurtful comments to those who choose not to make smart choices. By them being able to express their feelings, “Please Stop,” shows their classmate(s) that they are being affected by their continuous misbehavior(s). I am hopeful that the Guffing student(s) will want to join the team and quit being isolated. The Guff Counter also keeps me on track by not singling out students. This will also be introduced during the second semester and remain in effect until the end of the year.
Now, Levels Five, Six, and Seven…I hope I never have to go there! I am going to watch some WBT videos on the different levels, so I can gain a better understanding of how others implement this practice to the fullest.
I mentioned the Scoreboard Methods to my guidance counselor. Some of my students (when in the regular classroom) choose not to do their work and are in a contract club earning stickers for completing assignments and if not, a consequence for their bad choice. Every now and then, a student might not complete an activity or assignment in my room. The counselor always comes by to see how the student is doing in my class. It would be great to reinforce “Oh Yeah” or a “Mighty Grown” for their performance in my room, or should it not go beyond my class?
Julia,
DeleteIt looks like you have a good plan! If I'm understanding your question correctly, I would say that reinforcing the smiles or frownies in multiple classrooms is wonderful, but not with "stickers" or other treasure box type things, just with the points. WBT teaches us to help the students strive for their personal best but looks more toward the intrinsic type "reward" (scoreboard). Positive affirmation (smiles/scoreboard) is always warranted, no matter what room they are in!
Michelle, Did I receive any points?
DeleteOooops! Yes you did! Here are 25 certification points, sorry for the delay!!
DeleteI would use the Level One Scoreboard for the entire school year. I have experienced a lot of success with The Scoreboard in my class this year. It is a great motivator and a wonderful deflector of negative behavior.
ReplyDeleteI will also use Level Two the Super Improvers Team. I will start the Super Improvers Team during the second month of school and then continue using it throughout the entire year. I really like the idea of students competing against themselves to reach a goal. I also think it will motivate students to see where they are on the board compared to others. It allows students to watch themselves grow.
I really like the concept of Level Four the Guff Counter. Some years my biggest battle is the student who constantly talks back and is disrespectful to me. I like the idea of having a mark that recognizes this as inappropriate and puts a twist on it when the class responds with a “Please Stop”.
Tonya,
DeleteI'm happy to hear that you have had success with the Scoreboard! It is such a wonderful tool! Don't forget to try Level 3 (the Practice Cards). They may eliminate the need for the Guff Counter all together. Each level helps shape positive behavior, and will often create a very pleasant atmosphere in your classroom! Here are 25 certification points!
Madeline Mahan Chapter 14: Scoreboard Levels
ReplyDeleteI began Level One at the beginning of the school year. This level continues to grow and succeed in our classroom since there are so many variations! I will continue to use this level throughout the year.
I started using Level Two, the Super Improvers Team, the third month of school. This gave students a chance to succeed on an individual level based on effort and not skill level. Since the Super Improver Team has 10 levels and requires 10 achievements (behavioral, social or academic) per level, this will be used for the rest of the year as well. Students love to level up!
In January, I will begin using Practice Cards (level three). This will require students to practice rules they are having a difficult time with during the day. The colors of the cards allow students to have different amounts of practice according to what they need. I appreciate that this level includes a note home- I believe communication home is vital to success in the classroom. This technique will continue as long as it is necessary. I have a feeling that it will slowly become less necessary.
I have recently started the Bullseye game (Level Six) with one of my more difficult students. Since this student did not struggle with backtalk that could be deterred by the Level 4 Guff Counter, we met to discuss her behavior with the Bullseye Game. She is a very relational student and enjoys having one-on-one time at the beginning of the day to discuss her progress and goals. She is becoming more purposeful in her goal setting and it helps her focus throughout the day. Focusing on one behavior at a time has helped her to see success more quickly, which motivates her to continue succeeding.
Madeline Mahan
Madeline,
DeleteIt is a long year, and you just pointed out the flexibility and variety of help the Scoreboard levels offer. Nice! Here are 25 points for you!
I would definitely start the year with level one. This is a good way to introduce the concepts of WBT to my students. All students are familiar with the process of working for rewards so this would be an easy way to start the year. This level could be maintained all year, but the rewards and punishments offered with the game would need to be changed as student interest diminishes.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of the Level 2, Super Improvers Team. This allows students to really focus on their own successes. Also, it allows them to not be compared with other students. This is important for special education students as their unique needs tend to have them lacking when compared with others. It is important for them to be able to set individualized goals and reach those goals independently, using their own resources. This is great for instilling a sense of personalized accomplishment. I would wait until students were well initiated into the system of WBT to introduce this, but it could potentially continue from its introduction to the end of the year.
Level 4, the Guff Counter is also a great idea I would love to use. The effect of peer pressure on kids who are acting out is overwhelming. At all ages this is true. And the pressure they exert is not negative when using the Guff Counter; it is neutral so it does not alienate the student from his/her peers. I would only employ this method if I had a student that just seemed immune to all my other attempts. From this level’s inception, it could be used all year, but more likely would only be needed until the student in question decided that it was no longer cool to have the other kids singling him/her out in class and saying, “Please, stop!”
Amanda Blum
Amanda,
DeleteYou will love the Super Improvers Team - you can start it a couple of weeks after school starts, and with the ten levels and the many ways to spice it up - you have a wonderful tool that will last the whole year! I wouldn't consider the scoreboards so much as "rewards and punishments" but rather rewards and rehearsals (things that need to be tackled to improve), WBT doesn't really "punish" the kids, we just help them learn the correct behaviors through modeling and rehearsal. You have another great post (you have been busy this week!) Here are 25 certification points!
Level one will be used for the 1st nine weeks of school to get students trained on how to follow the scoreboard procedure. Students will instantly love the immediate praise when they earn a point on the positive side. Level one is the simplest level and will always be used as the main class management level.
ReplyDeleteLevel two will be added to the routine at the start of the 2nd nine weeks and will be used consistently throughout the year. Level two will help to focus on individual goals. Students like to be recognized for what they can do and this will be a highly motivating level.
I like the practice cards that are used in Level three. I will use the practice cards after students consistently know the procedures for the “Big Seven”. To make the rules stick in the students’ memories, students will practice the rules that they are having difficulty following.
I have heard the teacher next door to me using the level four “guff counter”. It has worked for this teacher and I think it will be useful to use with students who talk back to the teacher. I plan to use this level when needed.
Level six will be used if challenging students are not responding to penalty and punishment.
Lori Crigler
Lori,
DeleteI'm so glad you have other teachers in your building using WBT! How wonderful! I would encourage you to start level two a few weeks into the school year. There are so many variations that it will keep them motivated the whole year! Here are 25 certification points!
Chapter 14: Scoreboard Levels
ReplyDeleteI am relatively new to Whole Brain Teaching, and I have been using the Level One Scoreboard for several weeks. It is a powerful class motivator. I will implement the Level One Scoreboard throughout the year. The Scoreboard is displayed on our SMART Board from first bell to last.
I will begin to implement Level Two: Super Improvers Team after our Thanksgiving recess. I have a third-grade Response to Intervention classroom of students with a wide range of abilities and needs. I believe the power of the Super Improver Team comes from the ability of every child to improve and experience success.
I will begin Level Three: Practice Cards after our winter recess. As Coach B. recently said during his week nine Whole Brain Teaching Master Class, “Practice Cards are for after Christmas.” Practice Cards are an indispensable tool because they address individual behaviors. I am further reassured of their power because there is not simply one, rather, there are three levels of Practice Cards (white, purple, and green) to assist me throughout the year. As Coach B. also said, “It’s a long time until June!”
I will begin to implement Level Four: The Guff Counter after Thanksgiving recess. We are fortunate to have a classroom filled with (mostly!) third-grade sweeties. I believe implementing The Guff Counter, along with our myriad other WBT resources, strategies, and techniques, that our classroom will soon be approaching that much-desired classroom with bell-to-bell instruction.
Although, at the present time, I don’t foresee having to implement Level Five: The Independents, Level Six: The Bullseye game, or Level Seven: The Agreement Bridge, as I now know, and Coach B. says, “You've got them in your back pocket.”
Jacqueline Nessuno
Jacqueline,
DeleteYou are exactly right, the power of the SIT does come from the ability of every child to improve and experience success! You have a great plan generated to use the various levels, and this means a great year ahead of you! Here are 25 certification points!
I will use scoreboard level one from day one because it’s something that can be used daily and it helps reinforce rules and procedures for my whole class. Students look forward to winning the game and most students want to do their best.
ReplyDeleteI will use level two Super Improvers Team the following month. The level two scoreboard will further improve our classroom environment as we work on improving individual behaviors (particularly those that may just come from a couple of unruly students.) This will give them the goal to work towards personal victories and positive attention.
The third scoreboard level will be best for the most stubborn students. Those who are defiant and constantly talk back can be a huge detriment to the learning environment. With the Gruff Counter students will no longer receive the attention they desire by having a silent audience to take learning time away from. Instead he or she will hear “please stop.” This should take much less time to achieve orderly behavior with the student because attention is short, direct, and shows the students that the class is not particularly fond of that child’s behavior.
Josephine,
DeleteYou can't go wrong using the levels you chose! The SIT really opens up a way to creatively help your students meet and exceed personal goals all year long. In the future, make sure you address all areas of the prompt. We'd love to hear how long you plan to stay at each level of the Scoreboard. For clarification, the third Scoreboard level is the Practice Card level, and the fourth is the Guff Counter. You also had a minor spelling mistake (Gruff Counter- it is Guff). Here are 10 certification points for your effort.
Chapter 14 Scoreboard Levels
ReplyDeleteI will start off using level one scoreboard and implement it all year long. It can change with the different units of study or classroom themes. I love the variety it offers and that keeps it fresh and entertaining while still being effective for whole classroom management. (I have found that most behavior plans become ineffective by January)
Within weeks I would add level two, Super Improvers Team, to allow for individual growth on specific goals. I finally have a management tool that measures personal gains and not competing gains. I also love the fact that each student’s goal can be individualized and can address behavior or academics.
Level three is a great way to let the parents know of any behavior problems and positive accomplishments. By using the practice cards the student becomes more accountable for correcting the behavior. It is also important to highlight the positive behaviors and to allow the student to take pride in his/her successes. I will implement this at the beginning of the school year and keep it going all year long.
Finally, I would use the Guff Counter for any students who are disruptive or disrespectful. It seems like it would be a fast, simple, and democratic way to stop the negative behavior before too much teaching time was wasted. It also gives the class specific and respectful cue words instead of impulsively saying something to the rebellious student, which might add fuel to the fire.
Anne Corrigan
Anne,
DeleteWith the varied levels of the Scoreboard, there is something to help you the entire year! Coach B suggests that you consider waiting to implement level three until later in the year to avoid habituation. Great job! Here are 25 certification points.
Lori Hahn
ReplyDeleteChapter 14 Scoreboard Levels
As previously mentioned, I use a variety of the Level One suggestions. I also modify them to match whatever I am teaching.
1.Beat the Clock, modified to “Who Wants to be A…” depending on the subject we are learning.
2.Pirates
3.Boombox
4.Team Scoreboard-Girls and Boys love to battle one another in my classes.
5.Leaderboard
I teach Gifted Resource and my classroom is an extremely small resource room, with limited space for “extra”. My walls are covered with student work and word walls corresponding to our units of study. I try to incorporate many hands-on laboratory type activities and have to be creative on the arrangement of my classroom for safety and classroom management. I only teach each student for less than 2 hours each week and have over 100 students. The logistics of keeping up with all of the practice cards for every student would be very difficult to manage.
I certainly see how these higher levels work very well in a self-contained or daily classroom students. It just is not something I believe I can incorporate with my students I see for just a very short time once a week. I try to use that small amount of time for as much high-level instruction, as possible, within very limited classroom space.
I do, however, believe Level One Scoreboard suggestions are excellent motivational tools for my students, who are very academically completive with one another and other classes. I have very few discipline problems, and the few I do have, respond very well with Level One. And I am open to learning how I might be able to effectively use these, through this in-service training, with my students!
Lori,
DeleteI like the variety you chose with Level 1! Given the structure of your classroom, if you did need to add some behavior management for a few students, you might be able to do practice cards for those few- you could use a small pocket chart to store them, or a portable file or folder that you brought out just for that session? Having them for such a short period of time would probably reduce the need in most cases though. Great post! Here are 25 certification points!
Next year, I plan to implement Scoreboard levels one, two and three. I will start the new school year with level 1 on day one! I will change the names of the Smiley and Frowny, but I will use the Scoreboard level one all year. I plan to implement Scoreboard level two after our first nine weeks of school because I feel my students will benefit from implementing personal goals. Last, I will implement Scoreboard level three after the winter holidays to keep instruction fresh and stop individual behavior problems. I haven't used Scoreboard level four, the Guff Counter, but I might need it after the third nine weeks! I am excited to implement the Scoreboard levels with greater confidence next year!
ReplyDeleteRespectfully submitted,
ReplyDeleteKrissa White
Krissa,
DeleteYou have a good plan in place! Luckily, there are so many variations of the Scoreboard level 1 that you can keep them interested all year long! Here are 25 certification points!
For most of the class I will use Level One since it should be effective for most of my students. I plan on using this level for most of the year for these students. I do have challenging students and would expect that I would need to move to Level Two, Super Improvers Team. For these challenging students, the color-coded scale will help keep these students moving in the right direction. The immediate response to behavior offered by the scale can be an effective method to keep personal and team improvement on the rise. I also like the practice cards found in Level Three. The cards offer praise for students who set the good example and correction for those that are falling short in one way or another.
ReplyDeleteSteve Sublett
Steve,
DeleteIt is often helpful to start level three after the holiday break, and then you also have the Guff Counter in your back pocket if you need it as well. Nice job, here are 25 certification points!
I think I would overlap several of the levels at once because I think it depends on the students you have and the management issues you want to address.
ReplyDeleteNext year, for example, I will use the super improvers team as a bulletin board and use the scoreboard daily. Practice Cards would be very useful at the beginning of the year and after Christmas to revise the rules, but maybe only for a month at the beginning of school and a few weeks after Christmas. By Christmas, students should have improved several levels on the super improvers board and we should have gone through 4 or 5 scoreboard variations.
I also think that the Guff counter, Bull´s Eye game and the Agreement bridge might need to be overlapped with other levels rather than be used sequentially. It is important for disrespectful and disruptive behavior to be dealt with early in the year.
In short, the scoreboard and super improvers team could be used throughout the year. The other levels could be overlapped with these two levels at various times depending on the management needs of the class.
Adrienne,
DeleteCoach B. suggests that we wait on the practice cards until around Christmas break, that gives them plenty of time for levels one and two. Then, bringing in the practice cards will help add a new "zing" to the levels and gives a new boost to keeping the kids on their toes! The various levels do offer some flexibility which is one of the best ways to address the individual needs of your students. Here are 25 certification points!
I think that I will use Level 1 of the scoreboard the most. I like level 1 because it is simple to use each and every day, requires minimal management but has numerous versions to maximize student engagement. There are so many versions of level 1 that it will not be that difficult to get students to “buy in” to the scoreboard concept and get them motivated to work hard to meet our class rules and expectations.
ReplyDeleteAs with any classroom there will be those students (challenging students and fence sitters) who will need a little more than the level 1 score board, this is when I would incorporate levels 2 (the Super Improvers) and 4 (the Guff counter).
For the students I have identified as my “challenging” students I will use level 2. I feel that these students need to have a chance to be successful and working on all their “problem areas” at once might not be realistic. By using level 2 I can work with the student to identify an area to work on where they have a high chance of success. Once they are successful in one area we can move on to another and another and so on. I feel that I would use this level for several weeks because I would be improving one behavior at a time.
For the students I have identified as my “fence sitters” I will use level 4, the Guff counter. These are the students who “follow the crowd” and this level of the scoreboard creates a relationship between the “crowd” and the student where if the student has not followed the wants of the crowd it is recognized. I think that since these students can go either way, having their peers reprimand them for their choices will be an incentive to change their behavior. I would use this level for not more than 2 weeks. If the student has not made progress I would move them on to another level, probably level 2.
Nichole,
DeleteThe Scoreboard is powerful! The Super Improvers Team can be used for all your students, as everyone has something they can improve. You are right to recognize the positive strength of this tool with challenging students. It is meant to be a year-long tool in your classroom. Here are 25 points for you.
The Scoreboard levels are such a wonderful tool to use all year long. I have seen many teachers switch up their classroom management halfway through the year and it throws the children off. Kids need consistency with a little spice. This provides just that to ensure a smooth fun year!
ReplyDeleteI want to begin the year off with the basic introduction to the level 1 scoreboard. Using this will reward positive behavior and familiarize students with the penalty of negative behavior. I plan on using this level for the first month of school.
The second month of school I plan on implementing the Super Improvers Team (which I am VERY excited about)! I absolutely LOVE the idea of instead of competing against each other; the students will strive to break personal records! I am a keen believer in positive reinforcement to foster good behavior. I plan on utilizing this system for the duration of the year. I really hope I can have a student who will reach the Living Legend level and can keep their picture up for however long I teach! It will be so wonderful for students to strive for that goal and for that particular student to come back and see his or her picture idolized on the wall.
I then plan on moving forward with the scoreboard to level 3. Practice cards will reinforce the classroom rules and provide consistency between home and school. Hopefully, I won’t even have to move forward to the Guff Counter because level 3 has worked so well!
Caroline,
ReplyDeleteNice post on the Scoreboard Levels! The Super Improvers Team is the game changer! It creates 'heart' in a classroom! Here are 25 points for you!
The Scoreboard is an ideal behavior management system. It is simple to implement and has tiers that will intensify its effectiveness. I will use the basic scoreboard throughout the year. As described in Chapter 11, there are many ways to switch it up to keep it fresh and exciting.
ReplyDeleteThe Super Improvers Team is invaluable for those students who always try their hardest but fall short of expected norms. My Special Education students can’t compete with the other students academically. However, they can far surpass their classmates in behavior or following directions quickly. This enables all students to succeed within the class. It also helps those students who need help in an individual skill. The beauty of the SIT is that you can individualize it for those that need it. The class can be working on Rule # 1 but Tommy can also be working on handing in homework on time. I would introduce this in October and use it the rest of the year, changing what we are working on as needed.
After Winter Break, if needed, I would introduce Practice Cards. I love that the terminology is for practice rather than punishment. It takes the “meanness” out of teaching. You are helping the child practice doing what they are supposed to do. The other beneficial part of Practice Cards is the communication with parents that is incorporated in this level. This allows parents to participate in the correction of misbehaviors. This creates a strong bond between teachers, parents, and students. As parents buy into Whole Brain Teaching, they can begin to implement aspects of the program at home (especially after viewing the Facebook page for parents).
As a first grade teacher, I doubt I will need the other levels of the Scoreboard. It is nice to know that they are available to me if needed.
Liz Howard
Liz,
DeleteI like your statement "The beauty of the SIT is that you can individualize it for those that need it." That is what makes it so amazing! I agree that even though we don't often need the other levels, it is so comforting to know that we have them in our back pocket to use if necessary! Here are 25 certification points!
I am new to WBT and have just started using the scoreboard. I love that it is multi-tiered so that students do not become bored with it as the school year goes on and that it starts with the whole class but then goes on to work with particularly challenging students. I will start with level one and stay there about a month. That gives students lots of practice with classroom routines and gives them the chance to settle in. It also gives me a chance as a teacher to see which children, if any, will be particularly challenging. The second level is the super improver team which will work on the class as the whole to improve academic and behavior and I would stay there for about a month. I think this would be the key to getting almost all of the students on board with setting a positive classroom climate. The super improvers wall would continue all year and only specific students would need the other levels.
ReplyDeleteI like the third level with the practice cards because it gives the students that are having trouble following classroom rules and routines to work on the specific areas they need to improve in a small way. I would probably use it for several week so that it gives these challenging children a chance to change their behavior and by practicing the rules, I am making sure that they understand the rules. This level would quickly be followed by using the guff counter – I need to learn more about this level. I do not know much about the next levels but it seems that they would only be used in the most challenging cases so, I do not have a specific time frame in mind. I would use my professional judgment for the individual child before moving to the next level. I am open to using all of the levels as necessary.
Mary Carlson
Mary,
DeleteYou will learn more about the next levels as you progress through the book, but you have a great start here! You are right, with the multi-tiered system, the kids are always engaged! Here are 25 certification points!
Ch. 14
ReplyDeleteI plan on starting out the year with Level One. I can do so much with the scoreboard that it never gets old. The kids love responding to it and it is so easy to use. It is amazing at how they suddenly respond to earning those points. They never let me win. It has helped me to have a great class. I will also use Level 2, the Super Improver’s Team. This really lets me individualize their improvements. The one thing that I’ve noticed is that with many behavior management systems, the best kids are not challenged to do any better. They are already the best in the class and sometimes they are accidentally ignored, due to the challenging behavior of others. Many of them feel left out. I love that with the SIT, I can help each student focus on something that they want or need to improve, and no one is left out. The other awesome thing about the SIT is that it allows competitive students to still compete, but this time with themselves. This not only makes them better at something, but it eliminates boasting in the classroom because being better than you were before is hard for everyone. There’s no more bragging about how Bobby beat Billy at whatever. My students love this, too because working to make yourself better at something doesn’t hurt anyone else. Depending on the makeup of my class, I plan on using Level 3 around Christmas break. Although in 4th grade, I might possibly need it sooner. I also love Level 4, the Guff Counter. One of our teachers at school has been using it and has said that it has made a huge difference. I want that! I have a few students that back talk like crazy. I know that using this will be effective. I will try levels 5 and 6 with my most challenging students. I’m not sure how level 5 will work with the few students that I have problems with. They really don’t care if they all get in trouble together. As long as they are all together, that’s all that matters to them. I do plan on using Level 6 with my most challenging students, if necessary. I do not plan on giving out stickers for points. They would rather have free computer time or earn one of my reward coupons. Either way, I am very excited to have so many options at my fingertips to help my classroom run smoothly.
Jackie Rabin
Jackie,
DeleteNice job! You have a nice set of tools in your back pocket that are easy and effective! I agree, the Guff Counter is fabulous! Oops- watch out for the tiny punctuation errors "love this, too because working". Here are 25 certification points!
I am most likely to use Level 2 because this allows the class to set personal goals for social behavior as well as academic behavior. I would use this all year with my students as they set new goals throughout the year. I will have my students set new social and academic goals frequently and remind students of their past success. As students achieve their goals, I will have them set new personal goals to work towards.
ReplyDeleteIrish Brown
Irish,
DeleteYou are right, Level 2 is quite important to the structure of WBT! But, I'd like to hear how you would use some of the other levels as well. In the future, try to go a little deeper with your responses and share more information. Here are 20 certification points.
Scoreboard, Level 1: I love using the scoreboard in my class all year long. I’ve recently started using my scoreboard the way Coach B recommended in a workshop a few months back. Instead of a smiley face and a sad face, I do “baby school” and “6th grade”, which is 2 grade levels above my students. They know that they can’t just be good enough and act like 4th graders, they need to strive to act like 6th graders. We have a lot of success with it and I fully plan on continuing the scoreboard.
ReplyDeleteSuper Improvers Team, Level 2: I love the idea of using the super improvers team to help motivate my students, no matter where they are academically or socially. I plan on waiting a few months into the year to get to know my students well and then start implementing it. I like the idea of the students competing with themselves as opposed to other students. I think it will really help all of my students find success.
The Guff Counter, Level 4: I like the idea of getting my students on my side and not each other’s. Typically, the students who misbehave tend to be “friends” with a lot of the other students in the class. The Guff Counter will allow for those students to suddenly become isolated due to inappropriate behavior.
Kasey Wicker
Kasey,
DeleteIsn't it wonderful to have these tools in our back pocket to pull out when needed?! Nice work! Here are 25 certification points!
Chapter 14: Scoreboard Levels
ReplyDeleteWhich of the Scoreboard levels are you most likely to use next year … and how long do you estimate you will stay at each level?
The Scoreboard component has been a motivating system in our classroom. I’m anxious to take it to the next level.
Level One will be used along with a variety of the Scoreboard strategies for the entire year.
Level Two, Super Improver Team, will work well in my class. The color-coded scale works with my reading Discovery Education assessments. I will use this all year.
Level Three, Practice Cards, will come after Christmas for students not showing progress with Level two. This level is great for reinforcing positive behavior and the practice of “forgotten” rules
Level four, I will use The Guff Counter throughout the year. My students who exhibit disrespectful behavior will not want to be emotionally isolated. Guff Counter will be effective.
Dian,
DeleteI agree that the scoreboard component is a huge motivator for the classroom, as is the SIT. I would suggest starting them at the same time or very close together. How will you keep each level fresh and new? It would have been great to get a bit more detail in your post explaining your reasoning. Here are 15 certification points.
Chapter 14: Scoreboard Levels
ReplyDeleteI think Level 2 is the one that I will most likely use next year. I really like the fact that they are competing with themselves and not other students. I also like the fact that every student can set their own goal. I estimate that I will stay at each level for at least two months, maybe longer for some others. I could see where some levels would be more useful than others for my class and I would stay there longer.
Karen,
DeleteI agree, Level 2 is very motivating for students! Which of the levels were you referring to in the next sentence (staying for 2 months for some, longer for others)? We need to see more thought and detail in your posts - share your great ideas! Here are 10 certification points.
All of the Whole Brain Teaching scoreboard levels are beneficial to all students. However the scoreboard level I foresee using the most is Level 2: The Super Improvers Wall. I will especially stress this level for my beginning band students in 5th grade. As the level 1 and its variations fade away as an effective tool to encourage daily practicing with my band students, I will introduce to them this strategy. The bane of a lot of elementary school band programs is getting the students to commit time and energy into to personal practice time. Each student practices on their own at different rates and have different levels of musical ability. Using the super improvers level, I can make individual practice and performance goals for each of my band students. If one of my clarinet players has trouble crossing the bridge, their goal would be to successfully practice a passage to fix that problem. I would have them record themselves practicing and I would listen to the tapes to see if they made their improvement. Upon the grading of the tapes I would allow the students to move up the Super Improvers Wall. This level does not just benefit practicing, it can also help the students in lesson behavior. It can be used to set a goal for the trombone player who always forgets their music. They can set a goal to remember their folder for an entire week. Or a goal can be for the flute player who never marks their music with changes. If they successfully mark their scores as needed they can move the wall as well. There are many different levels for the super improvers this program should last me most of the year.
ReplyDeleteJason Thomashefsky
Jason,
DeleteThis level is so important within the structure of WBT! You have found a great way to adapt to the large number of students you serve! Here are 25 certification points!
I plan on starting level one on the first day of school and using it throughout the entire year. I like it because it is easy to implement and proven to be effective. I don't have to worry about my students getting bored with it, because of the different variations. When I see a drop in my students' motivation and enthusiasm, I can simply introduce them to one of the many variations.
ReplyDeleteI am also very excited about using level two, the Super Improvers Team. I plan on introducing it within the first couple weeks of school and continuing it throughout the year. I like the idea of students competing against themselves by setting and reaching personal goals. I do not see any reason to wait to implement it, especially since students need to earn one hundred stars to make it to the top of the board. Starting right away will give them more time to earn as many stars as possible.
I am not sure when I will start level three, the practice cards. It really depends upon my class. My goal is to wait until the end of October or the beginning of November, but I will start them sooner if I see a need. I like the practice cards, because they provide me with a positive way to address individual behaviors. The best part about the practice cards is that they will help me train students to make good choices, as opposed to punishing them for bad choices.
I will only use level four, the Guff Counter, if needed. I will be prepared to implement it the first time that any student gives me "guff". It feels great to know that I will have a strategy in place to deal with difficult students. Not only will my blood pressure stay down, but I have to say that I love the idea of getting the other students on my side.
Based upon experiences with past classes, I really do not see myself needing to go any higher.
Joyce,
DeleteGreat job! You have recognized the importance of each of these levels and they will be wonderful tools in your classroom! Even though the higher levels are often not needed within a WBT classroom, it sure is nice to have them in our back pocket! Here are 25 certification points!
Scoreboard levels are great, but again I would have to say there is no amount of time I can estimate using each level. I think the amount of time you use each level is going to depend on your own class. This could be different for you each and every year!
ReplyDeleteI will be using all of the levels in my classroom next year except level 5. I can see level 5 working well in a middle school or high school setting, but in the lower elementary grades I don’t think it is appropriate. I’m also hoping I will not have to use level six or seven, but certainly will if needed.
Some of my colleagues and I had discussed level four before implementing it. We had mixed feelings and were not sure if it would work. I was wonderfully surprised when this level was all it took to get the kids to stop complaining or moaning when they didn’t want to do something. I was equally surprised at the amount of teamwork that was used to say, “GUFF!” to the student/s that were moaning and complaining. This level works!
My favorite level is level two – Super Improver Team! I did have to play around with this level in my classroom last year until I figured out what worked best. Once I did, the kids fed off of this level of the scoreboard! They loved it! They worked for improvements! They can’t wait to come back next year and see a few of their faces on the Wall of Living Legends!
Heidi Baird
Heidi,
DeleteNice job! I love the Super Improvers Team! It really creates positive changes in our students!! Here are 25 points for you!
Last year was the first year that I used the scoreboard all year long. We started out with the “2 levels above” scoreboard. After Christmas, sections started competing against each other. Sometimes the winner at the end of the week (most days with the top net points) got to choose new seats. Then we went to Wonderful Students vs. Dreaded Teacher. A twist I put on this was having a different student each day put up the points.
ReplyDeleteI also started Super Improvers Team about midyear. I wasn’t very good about giving out points. I need to be more diligent this year and use the system more effectively.
This year I am going to add the Guff Counter. It will be a new element for me that I’ll start second quarter or earlier, if needed. Nor have I used practice cards. I occasionally had to put names on the board and the number of the rule that needed to be rehearsed. If there are several challenging students, the practice cards are in my back pocket. A few years ago I could have really used the Independents level. Usually I get most students to buy in. Who know what the new batch will bring.
If I have hard core challenging students, I’ll implement the Bulls Eye game as needed. I have found this to be effective with some students that were hard to crack. I think that, as I read chapter 21, I’ll see ways to refine what I’ve done in the past.
The agreement bridge is the top level. If needed, I don’t think I want to wait much later then the first of Nov. to start it.
Sheryl Larson
Sheryl,
DeleteI'm glad you are willing to try the new levels this year! I'd suggest that you begin the Super Improver Team after the first couple of weeks of school. The students really love it! Here are 25 certification points!
I love the scoreboard. This is the first Whole Brain technique I used in my classroom three years ago. I used the scoreboard in a class where I had completely lost control. When I told my class they were going to play a game against me, my class absolutely loved the idea. Little did they know, I won regardless of the score at the end of the day.
ReplyDeleteI will use Levels One, Two, Three and Four next year to help me manage my class. I will use Level One throughout the year. I believe I could use Level One for a good month without needing to introduce a new level.
Starting at the end of September or the beginning of October I plan on introducing the Super Improvers Team. This is a great way to involve, inspire, and encourage all students. I love that students can show improvement in any area. They do not just have to get 100% on every assignment. They can improve on their handwriting and still make gains on the Super Improvers Wall.
I would also like to use Level 3 Practice Cards next year. I will probably introduce the cards around December or January. Level 3 is a great way to give students an opportunity to review and practice following the rules. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate positive behavior and communicate with parents at home.
I implemented Level 4, The Guff Counter, this year and I will definitely use it again next year. This probably does not have to be introduced until December or January. I really liked the Guff Counter because it stopped negative student talk right away. Students also worked together to make sure the Guff Counter never got any tallies. The Guff Counter was also a helpful tool for the paraprofessional and guest teachers in my room. Some of my students felt it was okay to give these adults attitude. However, my paraprofessional and the substitute teachers had a tool in their back pocket to help against the negative attitudes. They had the Guff Counter!
Amber Hartzler
2014 Intern
Amber,
DeleteIt sounds like you have a great plan! Here are 25 certification points!
This will be my first year to use the scoreboard. Since I have no experience to pull from, I will keep the timelines flexible. My goal is to use the first three levels this year. As I watch some of the videos and get a better grasp of levels four to seven, I may add them this year. I am not clear on exactly how these levels will work in a kindergarten classroom.
ReplyDeleteI will start the year using Level One- The Scoreboard since it easy for my students to grasp and I want them to have a quick taste of success. I will use this level all year.
I will start to use Level Two – Super Improvers Team after six weeks. At this time, I will begin academic goal setting with my students. I love that the students will compete against themselves and that the level each student is on is based on goals they have set in collaboration with the teacher. This will be AMAZING for my lowest students as they will taste success based on where they are and how hard they work to improve academically as well as behaviorally. I am so excited to try this one.
I plan to add Level Three – Practice Cards at the beginning of the second semester. This level will allow for additional practice for those who need help with certain behaviors. I love that it includes a note that is sent home for families to work with the student. Many of my parents want to help their child but do not know what to do or where to start. This will help narrow the focus for what needs to be worked on.
I am excited and ready to add The Scoreboard to my classroom this year!
Kim Kirkpatrick
Kim,
DeleteThis will be a great start! The chapters on the other levels will be very helpful (as will the videos). Make sure you join the WBT kindergarten and 1st grade Facebook groups to get more information, and it is a great place to ask questions and collaborate! Here are 25 certification points!
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much! I have so much to learn and am so excited to get started. I am one of the kindergarten interns this year. I AM SO EXCITED!
whoo hoo!!
DeleteOn the first day of school, the Scoreboard will be introduced to my students and from that moment, “GAME ON!” I plan to use the Scoreboard throughout the entire school year; however, to keep the game interesting and motivating for my students, I will vary the awards and penalties with the suggestions that were provided in Chapter 11.
ReplyDeleteWhen we return from the Labor Day holiday, I plan to introduce my students to the Super Improvers Team. By this time, we will have been in school for four weeks, and I will have had the chance to connect with my class well enough to know their individual academic goals/behaviors that need fine-tuning. After this level has been introduced, it will continue for the remainder of the school year.
I LOVE the concept of the Practice Cards. I plan to implement this level the second week of school. The students will have then been in school for a few days and will have had the opportunity to learn my expectations and the five rules. If they choose to violate one of the rules after that time period, I feel like this level will be a quick attention getter and correct their negative behavior. After introducing this level, I will use it for the rest of the school year as needed.
The Bullseye Game and the Agreement Bridge are two levels that I hope I do not have to use; however, I want to have a plan of action in place in case I have a student in my class that resists the rewards and penalties with the other levels. These levels will be used as needed and as a last resort.
Kelly Avery
2014 Intern
Kelly,
DeleteI LOVE the Scoreboard and the Super Improvers Team! Adding those other levels will definitely move you to Teacher Heaven! Here are 25 certification points!
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DeleteChapter 14 – Scoreboard Levels
ReplyDeleteI greatly appreciate in Chapter 14, the explanation the ‘Big Seven’ as daily teaching tools and the multileveled game evolving from the Scoreboard to keep motivating students for daily routines.
Last year was my first year of WBT. I used Level One – the Scoreboard – all year. I didn’t do a lot of modifications to it last year, but now that I am more comfortable with it, I will use lots of variations such as those in Chapter 11 and my own, whenever I feel the students need a boost as well as seasonal modifications. I will introduce this on day 2 and use it throughout the year.
I also used Level Two – Super Improver Team – from the time I learned about it last year in the weekly webcasts. I will introduce this during the first week this year. I found students loved it and kept those struggling students hanging on and persevering to complete tasks as well as motivating them to attempt new challenges. Students were very excited to take their coloured cards home when they had their 10 stickers. We learned that bragging was ok when you accomplished something special – as long as you weren’t being nasty about it. This will be in place all year.
I had such a wonderful class last year (and I was new to WBT) that I didn’t have to move above Level Two. I will have quite a different (much more challenging) group this year. I think I will introduce Level Three – Practice Cards – towards the end of the first month. I will send a letter home to parents (is there a form letter on the WBT site?) explaining the program, ahead of time. I think this is an excellent strategy for keeping the home-school connection open and holding the student accountable.
I may try Level Four – The Guff Counter – after Christmas. I see this as quite beneficial for junior grades and above. I will be cautious how I use it with my grade 1/2’s.
Level Five – The Independents – sounds like a terrific strategy! I taught grade 8 a few years ago and I think this would have worked wonderfully for my little group of rebels.
I will need to learn more details about these advanced levels before deciding if they will be effective in my classroom. But the first three will definitely be in use.
Bonnie,
DeleteIsn't it fun to see your kiddos get excited about their personal growth. The different levels will bring out the best in all of your kiddos, as you need them. I seldom used anything past the practice cards last year, due to a very easy to mold classroom! Keep those tools in your back pocket and when you need them, they are there. Here are your 25 certification points!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete“Restrain yourself,” I mutter as think about unleashing the power of the scoreboard this year. I went against my inclination and followed a disciplined rollout last year, according to the book. Boy was I glad that I did. My tendency is to rush and try to do too much too soon. Last year, I gradually introduced features of WBT, the scoreboard in particular. The payoff was tremendous. Regarding the scoreboard, by staggering the unveiling of the levels, students remained locked in with expectation. I can’t wait to repeat it next month.
ReplyDeleteFollowing Coach’s directions, I introduced the scoreboard: level 1 on day 2. Smileys and frownies volleyed for a win all day every day. I used level one of the scoreboard for the first three weeks. Once students had ample opportunity to refine their performance of the 5 classroom rules, level 2 goodness descended upon them. The students of this year can expect even more goodness.
I love the Super Improvers Team! By the end of September, I introduced level 2 of the scoreboard. I was amazed by how captivated by the visual display on the Super Improvers Board. I used a pocket chart, where pockets were labeled with student names. At the side of the board, I had color card stock paper naming the levels. Everyone started out with a small white card in their pocket as a “fan.” I didn’t feel like I was able to efficiently use stickers. I think God gave me the idea to hole-punch the cards. It was quick, it was visual and the hole-puncher could hang right on the board. Ten-finger woos were flying. When someone went from “fan” to “rookie,” they got their card riddled with ten holes and everyone watched as I slid a new color card into the pocket. I know that my second graders will be begging for level 2 this fall.
Level three was the limit of what I used last year. The practice cards were wonderful. I would simply slide one of the cards into the student’s pocket on the chart. It was a visual reminder to him and everyone else of what lay in store for repeat offenders. Practice. It was not punishment, it was practice. Just like a coach would have a quarterback memorize plays, so I too, had students rehearse the rules for 1 minute for each card. The practice time increased gradually up to three minutes as months past. Later, I had students use a brain toy, like a “because clapper” or “example popper” to make sure they were truly thinking about their practice.
I will rely on these three levels and climb higher as needed.
Signed Jim Hobley, Advanced Novice Wholebrainer
Jim,
DeleteGreat work! What a great idea to punch holes in their cards! I bet they liked that! Here are 25 certification points!
Chapter 14 Scoreboard Levels
ReplyDeleteAs a school administrator I have been in classrooms and demonstrated my understanding of the level 1 of the Whole Brain Teaching scoreboard by setting up the two sides and giving smilies when I am pleased and frownies when I am not pleased. Students love vocalizing with the mighty groan and the mighty “Oh Yeah!” I think it is a great motivator and shows how much students will do to be recognized for good choices.
I have also used the Super Improvers’ Wall to help improve our attendance. Classes get a star for being 95% on time for a week. They get an extra star for improving from the previous week and a super bonus star for 100% attendance.
The level I would like to introduce next year is the practice cards. Later in the year I would also like to introduce the Bulls eye Game. The practice cards concept will be that when a student comes to the office because of breaking one of the five rules, we will discuss the rule and then I will assign a certain number of practice minutes after which I will send the student back to class. I will also have them take the parent note home for the parent to sign and return.
I will have to think about how to adapt the Bulls eye Game to work when I am not in the classroom all the time. I can definitely use the reminder gesture if I am in the room and I see a good or bad choice being made. We are working on refining our school wide discipline practices so what I may end up doing is establishing a goal regarding time out of class or enlist the teacher to keep tallies for me.
I really love the focus of Whole Brain Teaching on positive aspects of school and making many aspects into a challenging but fun game!
Carl Rust 250 cp
Carl,
DeleteUsing the Super Improver Wall to help with attendance is a brilliant idea! I love that you are modifying these to meet your particular position! Here are 25 certification points!
I think I will use the Level 1 Scoreboard during the upcoming year. I do not have a classroom and will be on a cart teaching music. If I can get some "buy in" from the teachers then I would like to move on to Level 2 after the first marking period. I only see students once a week so this would mean after 9 times together we would move on to the Level 2 Scoreboard. I would try to keep this scoreboard for the reminder of the year, however, If needed I will move on to the Level 3 and 4 Scoreboards for those students who are not complying to the classroom rules. Again since I am on a cart and not every classroom will be participating in WBT (Although I think they are crazy if they don't!), then it would be extremely difficult to continue on to levels 5, 6 and 7. I may try to continue up all levels as needed in just one classroom so I can prove the results to others.
ReplyDeleteMitzi Emblidge
Level 2: WBT Advanced Novice
Mitzi,
DeleteI have a rolling white board (from Really Good Stuff catalog) that I have used to attach a pocket chart (on the back) for my rotating classes. I used this for level 2 in the past. You might try something like that to make it more mobile. I know it is a challenge in your situation, but you are doing a great job coming up with ways to modify! Here are 25 certification points!
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLevel one of the scoreboard will start out my year and will give me the opportunity to see if there is a need for any of the more stringent scoreboards. Most preschoolers are people pleasers and will do their best to do what is asked of them. After about a month of school, or once the children have our routine down, I will add the super improvers team (level 2). The fact that each child has individual goals and compete against themselves is perfect for this age. When preschoolers come to school, all of them are on so many different developmental levels. I feel it is important that they see their own growth and achievement. The super improvers team will give each child the motivation to master skills and behaviors that are important for school success. Education is a journey, not a race, and my job is to help each child to reach his/her highest potential on this journey.
ReplyDeleteMelissa,
DeleteThe Super Improver Wall is the perfect way to help your students see just how much they have learned while celebrating how wonderful they are! Here are 25 certification points!
I am currently using Scoreboard level 1 and 2 with my students and feel these 2 levels are the 2 I am most likely to use for the entire school year. I have been using level 1 since the beginning of the year and do believe it works with the whole class, especially when they get a frownie. I look around the room and can see the frustration on the faces of the students who are following rules. They don't like it when other students don't. I also enjoy hearing them get excited over a smiley. They love getting free time or recess at the end of the day if they get more points than me. Each day is a new day for all of my students and I have been seeing growth in many who are reluctant to follow classroom rules.
ReplyDeleteScoreboard level 2 is fun because each student gets to work toward their own individual goal. I will be continuing this all year long as well because I believe it is important for students to be able to intrinsically motivate themselves with extrinsic objects, at least in this case. My school has a higher poverty rate and I know how much my students value candy and other items they may not get at home. Right now all of my students are on the second level of the wall with a few students on the third level. Above my Super Improver Wall I have stapled the goal each student wants to work towards so they have a visual. In the first level, most students wanted to work towards candy. One student wanted a $1 sweet tea from McDonald’s and another wanted to bring in a picture from home. As they move up the ladder, they have chosen different things to work towards, like toys and more $1 sweet teas from McDonald’s (because now they know it's an option :) ). As students move closer to their tenth sticker; I make it harder for them to get it. I want them to realize the importance of working towards their own goals and know they aren’t always going to come easy. They want their candy so bad, but also appreciate having to work for it. The Super Improver Wall is working nicely with my class.
I have started Scoreboard level 3 with students who are having more difficulty following the rules. However, after re-reading this chapter and skipping ahead to read more information about practice cards, I now realize I have not been using the practice cards in the best way possible. I have been giving students the cards when they don’t follow rules, but have been forgetting to attach the practice of the broken rule. I do wish I had figured this out before starting level 3, but also know it is fixable and I plan to fix it as soon as possible. With that being said, I am going to continue with level 3 of the Scoreboard for several months in hopes that I can recover from my silly mistake. I believe this level is the strongest with students who are notorious for rebelling against classroom rules and I need to get stronger at it so I can see how well it does work. I have not reached the point of using Scoreboard level 4, but feel if some students are not cooperating/responding with level 3 then I will need to move them to the next level. Time will tell.
Ellen Vaught
Ellen,
DeleteIt sounds like you are enjoying trying the new levels! A few suggestions - you can have a powerful Super Improver Wall with **free** rewards so you aren't spending your paycheck on prizes! I teach in a school that is 100% free lunches (high poverty) so I understand what you mean about the kids wanting rewards. My kids love small rewards so I have things such as a free homework coupon when they reach level 3 etc. They love the level that they get their picture on the SIT (see the book and the SIT webcast for more ideas). Believe it or not, they are just excited to "level up" as our class calls it! We make a big production of getting 10 stars and a groovy letter home that brags on their accomplishment. They are learning the value of hard work, great behavior and the reward of doing a good job! Here are 25 certification points! * You might want to save the Practice Cards for later in the year when they have used the SIT for a while (pacing). Many teachers introduce it after Thanksgiving break.
That's a great idea about the practice cards. I have talked to my kids about them, but now know I should probably give them more time before actually using them. Thank you for your advice.
DeleteEllen Vaught
Along with what was written in the book, I am also looking forward to using the new levels for Coach’s Scoreboard 2.0 from webcast 584 (I hope you folks don’t mind me commenting on the webcast, too!). I start off with the basic level 1 (to be known as Base Camp from now on) and explain to my students they have to beat this level before they can earn any rewards. I really love to try to stretch each level out as long as I can. This gets them ramped up and really focusing on our class rules. This took about 3 weeks this year. They can’t wait to find out what level 2 will be and what their first reward will be as well. The suspense really keeps them focused!
ReplyDeleteI can’t wait to use the practice cards for the first time this year. I really think this is going to get my kids where they need to be in terms of my expectations without the negative connotations that are usually associated with “punishment” for breaking the rules because now it will all be about practicing! They will have to practice the broken rule during recess for two minutes, and I really anticipate the response afterwards to be immediate and effective. I am hoping not to get to this level until after the first marking period/November (fingers crossed!).
I have never had to use it, but the agreement bridge looks like an amazing tactic for dealing with a really tough kiddo. It is good to know that I always have this in my back pocket if the appropriate situation arises. The one-on-one approach where the kid really appears to be leading the meetings/conversation at their discretion is, in my opinion, absolutely an amazing approach. If needed, this would be implemented towards the end of the year after all other levels have been exhausted for as long as it is necessary.
As per webcast 584, I am happy to use the new level, “no traitors,” to pit boys against the girls in class. They are going to be so competitive! I think this could potentially last for a month or more. Another fun part of the webcast that I am really itching to try is using that blue tally mark that counts as two *gasp* tally marks. They are going to flip-out about that one after having only the black tallies for so long!! I’m looking to make this one last for 2-4 weeks and then scatter randomly throughout the rest of the year. I am also in love with the idea of incorporating brainies at the last few levels. There are SO many good variations I can’t wait to try. In this way, our class’s scoreboard will never get stale!
Brianne,
DeleteI'm glad you are combining your book and webcast knowledge! It is so helpful to participate in the webcasts and get advice from people that are in the trenches with us! Here are 25 certification points and a 5 point bonus!
The webcast was a terrific idea. Thanks!!
DeleteTo be honest the scoreboard intimidates me. All of the other components of WBT thus far are easily adapted into my teaching techniques. I am anxious as well as excited to incorporate the scoreboard into my classroom. I feel I will need to tap into the experts online who teach at middle school to see how to manage many students for periods with such little whiteboard space.
ReplyDeleteI will be starting simple at level one and work towards a game day Friday. I have many reinforcing games for vocabulary and grammar that was covered throughout the week. I am trying to put a Spanish flair to the scoreboard by using “Ölé” and OH no, “OH no”. I want to use “maestra” and “clase” with chili pepper icons. I have to figure out a way to keep tract of six classes and use minimal board space. As I stated in an early chapter, I would need to stay here until I am comfortable to move on. Keeping track and making it meaningful will be my biggest challenge.
Rebecca Loftus
Rebecca,
DeleteCheck out the middle school WBT Facebook page for great middle school scoreboard ideas. Sarah Meador or Andre both have great ideas.( https://www.facebook.com/WBTMiddleSchoolCertification?fref=ts) You can also check out my WBT Pinterest board for more ideas: https://www.pinterest.com/sshelton4/whole-brain-teaching/
I'd like to hear more about your ideas to use some of the various levels, the scoreboard is a wonderful tool! Here are 25 certification points.
Level 1 – Scoreboard
ReplyDeleteI have been using Level 1 Scoreboard successfully for over two years. It is a long-year technique that I use to motivate students to focus during our whole group instructions. I will continue using this level for the rest of the year.
After reading the Chapter 14, I have decided to add more levels to my motivation tool box mainly to celebrate individual students’ success and to reinvigorate classroom rules.
Level 2 – Super Improvers Wall
Right now, we are assessing our students for third quarter report cards. This is the time of the year when some students feel like they know all they need to know to graduate kindergarten while others are struggling to see any improvements in their learning as they compare their writing and reading skills to their peers’. Also, our building planning team recently announced a new building-wide initiative to showcase our students’ writing. These two events made it the perfect time for me to introduce Super Improvers Wall. I started using the Super Improvers Wall as a way to help my students focus on reaching individual writing goals. I introduced it a few days before our Open House and observed students explaining the “game rules” to their parents. I had a chance to explain to the parents that we are celebrating the students’ academic progress rather than comparing their academic skills to each other. As we got used to the idea of celebrating personal growth in reading and writing, I extended this level across other subjects including behavioral growth.
Level 3 – Practice Cards
I was very excited to learn about WBT Practice Cards as a tool to reinvigorate classroom rules. Up until now I used a behavioral chart to move student’s clip up or down based on their behavior. As a consequence of their behavior they would lose some of their play/recess time. Since my goal for classroom management is to eliminate the misbehavior, practicing the broken rule a few minutes during this time is a more logical consequence of breaking the rule. This year, I started using WBT practice cards in March, but I think I will start earlier next year, probably after our November break. At that time, most students understand the expectations and are able to follow our classroom rules and routines while some are still struggling. I hope that using practice cards will help to eliminate the misbehavior earlier while encouraging students to choose to engage in academic activities rather than to misbehave.
Monika Fridrich
Monika,
DeleteYou have a great plan here! Remember, when using the SIT, you can also celebrate success in improved behavior in addition to academics, this helps quite a bit with some of the difficult students. Yes, November is one of the best times to bring in those practice cards and you will love having the visual reminder of behavior needs (and improvements) during the day. Great job! Here are 25 certification points!
My first two years of teaching, I didn’t use the Scoreboard as much as I needed to. I guess I just got so caught up in teaching and what not that I forgot to use it when I should have. Next year, I will use levels one and six. The other levels sound great, but I know what is best for my students. Our school does not condone using the colored cards and going up or down based on behavior. Levels one and six provide a more unified behavior system and allows me to work with my most challenging students.
ReplyDeleteI used level one last year and believe that it is an effective tool for suppressing classroom disruptions. With level one, all of my students are on the same team. This level works to create positive peer pressure and helps combat the extra talking and rule breaking. My students are very vocal when they see another student misbehaving or not following the rules. They make sure to tell me that something is going on, even though they know that I am going to get a point on the scoreboard. Although I am not using any of the other levels between one and six, I will change the format of the scoreboard in my own way. I will still do teacher vs. students and smiles and frowns, but I will also change it up team wise. Some days, I will do boys vs. girls vs. teacher, the left half of the class vs. the right half of the class vs. the teacher, and even group them randomly. I will use level one for the entire year. I probably won’t start it until the third week of school so that my students fully understand the rules and expectations of the classroom and of the scoreboard.
Level six is an entirely new game for me. It does, however, seem very related to the point sheet system that my teaching partner and I use. With the point sheets, we have behaviors already listed at the top. Students are given 0, 1, or 2 for all of their class periods in each of the categories (respect for staff, respect for peers, stays in seat, on task, talking, and disrupting others). I feel that the Bullseye Game and point sheets are closely related. For next year, I will pull the students that are the most challenging, and ask them what their goal will be for that particular day. I will make it so that even if they don’t do well on their point sheet but made their goal with me, they will still be rewarded. These kids are just really looking for some attention and by meeting with them every morning and having them work on a goal, I am giving them the attention that they seek. I will start this the second month of school. I plan to use this level for 1-2 months to see if there is any change in behavior. If there is no change in behavior, I will either up the reward or change the goals to be more specific. I will use this level for as long as I need to.
Hannah,
DeleteI do hope that you will revisit the other levels, they can work for any age group and in a wide variety of settings! The colored cards in WBT are always used in a positive manner (practice cards and SIT), never to lower a child's level and never to lower self esteem. I've found that using all of the levels in a progression benefits me as well as the students because it helps our classroom run like clockwork while also keeping a pleasant atmosphere. The SIT is a celebration of goals met. The great thing about it is that every child has his own individual goals to meet, therefore he isn't competing with anyone else. Here are your 25 certification points!
I would definitely begin the school year with the scoreboard (level 1). In my welcome letter, I send home, I tell parents about our class rules, and explain the scoreboard game. The scoreboard has always been a great whole class motivator with my students, and it allows the entire class time to practice producers and rules. My class seems to enjoy it most when they are playing scoreboard rewards. It's great that I can change the theme throughout the year.
ReplyDeleteAs I continue using the scoreboard, throughout the year, I will introduce my class to the Super Improver Team (level 2) about mid September (roughly three weeks into the year). I once again will send a letter home explaining to the parents what the Super Improver Team is, and I explain to them that the Super Improver Team is great for their child to begin working on individual academic and behavior goals. Each of my student's enjoy earning stars in order to move up the wall. They also like that Mrs. Sowers has a card on the wall as well, and think it's the best thing ever when they are ahead of me. This is also a level I will use for the entire year once it's introduced.
When it comes to level 3, Practice Cards, I try to wait until December to introduce the game, but I will introduce it as early as second quarter (after Fall Break) if needed. However, when students enter my room the first day of school they see numbered pockets on the wall. They are usually very curious. Now when I introduce Practice Cards to my class, I once again send a letter to parents explaining the rules of the Practice Cards and what to expect if their child receives one. For the majority of my class this is all they need, but I always have one or two that need another level. That level is Guff Counter (level 4).
I introduce the Guff Counter anytime after level 3 when it is not working for my most challenging students. When I introduce the Guff Counter, I always bring in my specials teachers (PE, art, music, and library). That way when I'm not with my class, my students are getting as close to the same classroom management structure as possible. I have found with with the Guff Counter even my most challenging students mellow out. Once my most challenging student said to me they were tired of saying "please stop" all the time, and wanted to know what they could do to help the class. My insides jumped for joy a little that day.
I have not ventured into the other levels. As of right now up to level 4 is all I need in my classroom; however, I know one day I might need another technique for my most challenging students, and Whole Brain Teaching has provided me with steps how to implement those into my classroom.
Megan Sowers
Megan,
DeleteGreat job! These varied levels will keep your students on their toes and add some fun to their day! Oops, there was one minor editing error "Each of my student's" (no apostrophe needed). Here are 20 certification points!
This school year I have implemented level one through four. I’ve used level one, the Scoreboard, the entire year. It is definitely my “go to” in promoting motivation and creating a positive learning environment. I love that students are never punished for an individual’s negative behavior “though individuals may be rewarded for positive behavior”. In fact, I find it helps build a sense of community in the classroom when individuals have earned points for the entire class. I say “THANK YOU, *student name*” (in a silly voice with lots of inflection) and the kids repeat. FUN!
ReplyDeleteI just began using level two this school year and will definitely continue to implement it in my classroom for years to come. I didn’t start awarding stars for a few weeks. I created a beautiful display wall with the levels and the cards and it really intrigued the students. They asked about it and I told them there would be more info to come. They are very motivated to reach “Legend” status. I really love how they clap for each other when they are awarded a super improvers star.
Level 3 started a few weeks into the school year also. I really didn’t need to implement it in the beginning but I believe that it has been effective. I like the idea that students practice for a set amount of time and then get to play. They know what rule they have broken and then practice it. It doesn’t cause arguments because they know if they do it my way for the couple minutes they need to practice, then they get to go play. However, I have had problems with students not bringing the parent notes back signed and need some suggestions. I teach at a low SES school and parent communication and support is sometimes an issue. I think I may request some teachers to mentor students that don’t consistently bring back slips signed and have the mentor sign in place of the parent.
Level 4 has been AMAZING!! I don’t break this GEM out until I need to, but it is VERY effective. Instead of saying “please stop”, my students proclaim “NO NEGATIVE COMMENTS NEEDED!” I don’t think I had to use it until a few months into the school year, but I use it for the remainder of the year once it is introduced.
Shila,
DeleteWhat a great idea to build community in your classroom - " I say “THANK YOU, *student name*” (in a silly voice with lots of inflection) and the kids repeat." I love it! Here are 25 certification points!
I plan to begin the year using Level One of the Scoreboard for approximately the first four weeks of school. During this time, I will be able to use 1-2 variations to keep students interested and on their toes.
ReplyDeleteAfter week four, I will introduce Level Two, the Super Improvers Team. I will create a colorful SIT wall and scale that will encourage students to move along the scale and improve their behavior. I will continue with the Scoreboard for whole class monitoring, but will use the Super Improvers Team to address personalized goals and achievements. In the beginning stages, I will keep the Super Improvers Team movement to in-class behaviors only. After a few weeks, I will incorporate lunchroom, recess, and special class behaviors, as well.
Approximately four to five weeks after implementing the Super Improvers Team, I will begin introducing Practice Cards. The use Practice Cards will allow students to target the areas that they are in need of improvement and celebrate the areas that where they are excelling. I will begin with the basic practices of using the color coded cards to address individual behaviors. I will use the colored cards, rule cards, and individualized pocket chart. I will use the practice of students reciting and practicing the rule that that needs improvement during lunch or recess time. With regard to parent notification, I will begin with the attempt to contact parents and obtain signatures, but I think that I will have to use the process described in the book that Ms. Maestra used for Juan. Juan’s parents were mostly unavailable and make a habit of not returning paperwork. Ms. Maestra allowed Juan to check in with another adult in the school to create another source of accountability and an additional authority figure.
This is as far as I will plan in advance. I want to be able to see how my practices unfold and then troubleshoot and proceed while reflecting on my own practices and outcomes.
Megan Vescio Copeland
Goldfarb Elementary School
Las Vegas, NV
Megan,
DeleteThis is a good plan! You might even want to add in the Guff Counter after the first few months to help even more with behavior management. Here are 25 certification points!
Being new to WBT, I have only used Level 1 of the board so far. My students responded very positively to it. I will definitely begin next school year by incorporating this level. Variations to Level 1 mentioned in chapter 11 will help to increase the longevity of this level.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the Super Improvers Team & hope to put it to use with goal setting this year. I feel this visual reminder of achievement will spur students to continue to strive for their goal. I also like the fact that this isn’t a competition between students but within one’s self. Self-motivation is a life skill students need to practice & the Super Improver Team does this beautifully!
Level 3 will allow me to further individualize my behavior management. I have used a card system for years. My students seemed to bounce back from card turning fairly quickly, but every now and again there would be one who was just devastated. With this system, I can make it as public or private as the situation dictates. It makes it a more personalized approach.
While I don’t know how often I would need to use the Guff Counter, I like the idea of using peer pressure to curb disrespect. I also feel this could empower students to say “Please stop!” when they are in one on one situations that they don’t like. This would go a long way to stop teasing and bullying.
Elisabeth Thompson
Elisabeth,
DeleteOh, you will love these levels of the scoreboard! the SIT is one of the best motivators I have EVER seen! The kids absolutely love it! You can get some really cute ideas on teachers pay teachers for themes for it, and they are all free :) Here are 25 certification points!
Chapter 14: Scoreboard Levels
ReplyDeleteI have been watching videos to learn about whole brain teaching. I used the first level of the scoreboard this year and really liked it. At times, it competed with my other strategies. Since I am reading the WBT book, everything seems to be coming together! I will simplify my class procedures to the following plan, with whole brain teaching as my main source of inspiration.
Level 1 will be used the first four weeks. After I get to know my students, I will switch to level two, The Super Improvers Team. I work with individual students to maximize their potential. I look so forward to motivating my students! (Should my students be ready earlier, I will switch to Level 2 at that time.)
After the first nine weeks, I plan to switch to level three-Practice Cards, to add diversity and excitement. Addressing individual problems, teacher to student, can develop a beautiful relationship.
Should I have problem students, I may implement Level Four, the Guff Board, early on. This depends upon the character of my class. It also appears that the level order seems to correlate to how they can be implemented unless your class character would benefit otherwise. I look forward to using the levels as I have planned. I will begin with these four levels for the first half of the year. I will add the others after as needed. I am learning so much so quickly.
Regina-Champagne Babin
Regina,
DeleteThis sounds like a great plan! Here are 25 certification points!
As expected, I will begin the school year with the whole class scoreboard to review the WBT routines we have been using in Spanish from last school year. This will set a strong foundation for expectations and reinforce class rewards and penalties while working as a team.
ReplyDeleteI use a variation of the Super Improvers Team called the Super Improvers Board. As a special area teacher I teach over 100 students and have found this variation to work best for me. The Super Improvers Board travels with me to each Spanish class (K-6th grade). Similar to the idea behind the SIT, there are levels, from Beginner- Genius. The levels are color coded and listed down the left hand side of the board. Each class is represented on the board (instead of each student) in white (beginner color). The class decides on a target behavior and works towards earning 5-10 tally marks (varies depending on how often the class meets) before moving up the next level. Once the class moves up to the next level, the color of their class icon on the board changes and they set a new target goal. At the end of the school year the class that has reached the highest level celebrates. In order to encourage personal motivation, I use a check in system via the language learning portfolios I use with my students. Here, the students set personal language goals, self assess, and conference with me. Once a student has reached his/her goal, we celebrate with a 10 finger wooo and I post the students’ pictures on the Shout out Board. The student completes a reflection-I did it! page (1 for home and 1 copy remains in the portfolio) and I give out “smart beads”, a colorful necklace of plastic beads. The child is able to wear the beads and take them home. Everyone in our school knows what these beads indicate and they are highly coveted.
I would like to introduce the Practice Cards this coming school year in classes where I may have more challenging behaviors that need interventions for success. Fortunately, in 40 minutes with a highly engaging lesson/activity, I very rarely have classroom management obstacles. Spanish is a novelty. There are times throughout the year such as during the holidays or the possibility of a new student who can change the dynamic, that can up the ante so to speak.
Bethann Barneman
Bethann,
DeleteI am so impressed that you have found a way to include the Super Improver Wall in your travels from class to class! That is fantastic! Here are 25 certification points!
I will definitely be using the Level One scoreboard at the beginning of this school year. It allows the teacher to pinpoint behavior without calling out a specific student. It was also a way to build community in my classroom because they were working towards a common goal. I can use the variations that I have learned in the book to keep it “fresh.” I will use this through the entirety of the school year. It is the only level of the scoreboard that I have ever used but I look forward to branching out to the other levels.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to using Level Two of the scoreboard this school year. My students already write goals for themselves in their data notebook and the Super Improvers Team would allow them to set goals and break personal records. I believe that it would give them motivation to really work hard so they could see themselves moving up in levels. I would introduce this 4 weeks into school and then use it throughout the rest of the school year.
I love Level Four, the Guff Counter! I teach at a Title One school and a lot of my students are expected to be adults when they go home. They have to take care of younger brothers or sisters when their parents are at work. They are treated like adults in the home and they aren’t sure how to act when you need them to be just a 3rd grader at school. There is a lot of backtalk and attitude in the majority of our classrooms. I fell victim to this last year and it became a power struggle. The Guff Counter would allow me to better control this and make students accountable for the way they speak. I would like to start this during the 2nd 9 weeks and use it throughout the year. It would really just depend on my class as to when it will be started.
-Courtney Wood
Courtney,
DeleteYou will love the Super Improver Team and the Guff Counter! I'm in a Title 1 school as well and the kids are very enthusiastic about both of these! I have a little "Guff" poster by my Smart Board and just have to point to it as a reminder, but they do LOVE to say "no Guff please" when prompted! Here are 25 certification points!
I plan on using Level One Scoreboard for the entire year. I am a resource teacher and have different kids at different times. I have found that this works whether or not the general education teacher is using it.
ReplyDeleteI will use Level Two the Super Improvers Team in conjunction with the student’s general education teacher. I use a punch card system in my room and will continue it next year. As there is improvement, the students receive a punch on the card. They take the card back to their classroom and exchange it for a star on their classrooms super improver wall. I will introduce this in my classroom when the general education teacher does. It will be in the second month of school.
I will also use Level Three Practice Cards in conjunction with the general education teacher. I don’t have time to assist in monitoring the two minute practice, so it takes a lot of conversation and professional trust. The saying it takes a village to raise a child holds true here. The cards will be introduced at the beginning of the year and will be used throughout the year as needed.
Jana Greer
Jana,
DeleteThe punches on the card will be a great way to collaborate with the general ed teacher for the SIT wall! Working together will be very effective. Here are 25 certification points. **You can also add 25 for chapter 3, the computer won't save my post for some reason. We are working on getting the glitch out. Thanks!
I will definitely be using Level One, THE Scoreboard, for the entire year. As it states in this chapter its purpose is to “reward and penalize the behaviour of your class as a whole” (Biffle, 2013, p.95). I really like the way it puts the students together as a group, helping them learn to work together to achieve a goal. I will, however, be differentiating it and modifying it as I described in response to the question for Chapter 9 in an effort to keep it “fresh”.
ReplyDeleteI also intend to use Level Two, the Super Improvers Team. Although, this will be on display right from the first day of school, I do not foresee implementing it until the second month of school at the earliest. This, however, is dependent upon the specific students in the class and their individual behavioural needs. Once this level is implemented, it will be in use until the end of the year.
In the same way that the Super Improvers Team supports and encourages positive behaviour, Level Three, the Practice Cards, highlights the need to practice and internalize positive behaviours. I see Level Three as going hand in hand with Level Two. I really like the way it incorporates both extra practice and communication with parents. I will be introducing this Level in conjunction with Level Two. Once it is introduced, it will be in use until the end of the year as needed.
Christina,
DeleteYou are right, these do help us keep the lines of communication open with the parents. They love the fact that they are getting some GOOD reports on their child's improvement! Here are 25 certification points!
The level 1 scoreboard “rewards and penalizes the class as a whole.” Because of the many different ways this can be implemented, it will be used in various forms throughout the school year. The second level of the scoreboard is called Super Improvers Team. This multi-level management tool focuses solely on a student’s achievements as compared to himself. In leveling the playing field Super Improvers Team is highly motivating. It will be introduced in October and used throughout the remainder of the school year. Practice Cards represent the third level of the scoreboard. I will introduce these after Christmas. They will be useful once kids are well-acquainted with the classroom rules but are beginning to relax in their adherence to them. Practice cards may be in use for the remainder of the year, depending on their long-term effectiveness.
ReplyDeleteGuff Counter is level 4 of the scoreboard system. I believe that the length of time I will need to use this varies greatly depending upon the personality of my class. Designed to deal with the habitually disrespectful disruptions of individual students, the Guff Counter is level 5. It encourages individuals to “come back into the fold” by having all peers say “please stop” in response to offensive behavior. The final level of the scoreboard that I anticipate using next year is The Independents. This level is used to turn rebellious cliques of students against each other. I don’t know how long I would need to use this level. If it remained effective I would use it for much of the second half of the year.
Traci Katz
Traci,
DeleteYou may not even need the Guff Counter because the earlier levels are so effective! I think there was a small error in your last paragraph when referring to the level of the Guff Counter. Here are 20 certification points!
This is my first year using the Scoreboard. I plan to start the year with Level One. I will use this level all year, adapting it to the wonderful suggestion variations from Chapter 11.
ReplyDeleteWe have an early conference time in October. Prior to this conference, students are tested in reading, math, writing and spelling. Students then work on individual goals for the year. After all this, I will introduce the Super Improvers Team. I will then be able to use both progress towards goals, along with behavior and daily achievements.
I will use Level 3, Practice Cards, only if I see a need. This will depend on how well the class is learning and following the rules.
I will use Level 4 when necessary. Each year, there are always a few students who may need this level. I know I have one challenging student in my classroom next year that will probably need this level.
When the time comes, we will work as a class to use this level.
It is hard to predict whether I will need Levels 5-7. I will certainly try everything else first, and then if needed proceed to these steps.
Susan,
DeleteYou will love the effect the Scoreboard has on your class! They will enjoy the "video game" feel of the leveled system! Here are 25 certification points!
In the past year I have used the first 3 levels of the Scorebaord and have not had to use the other levles in kdg yet. I start the year off with the 6 rules and the level 1 scoreboard the first week or two. Then, I ease into the practice cards. I feel like it makes the ones that are testing me know that I mean business. I have only had to use them a few times with a couple of kiddos. I have made a parent communication sheet that follows the rules and explains the practice cards. If they follow al the rules and have a great day... They get a Mighty OH YA from me in a smiley on their behavior calendar. This goes home and is signed by mom and dad each day. If a practice card is given, I write the number of the rule they broke so parents will know what happened. There is a key on the bottom of the page. This works wonders as a communication tool. About the third week or so I implement the Super Improver Wall. This is the single most favorite part of WBT (besides the Genius Ladder) I have found that this adds a sense of community, it improves academics and social behaviors. You can tweak things instantly by having someone color a star!!! Pretty Amazing!!! The kinders aren't competitive with each other... they support each other and celebrate each accomplishment. When I have other teachers come into my room to watch WBT lessons... this is the topic that gets the most comments!! I love it! I have not had to use the levels 4-7 ever. I find that the first 3 work well for me.
ReplyDeleteWendy,
DeleteI'm glad the first three levels have been so effective! Here are 25 certification points!
I know I will use level 2, the Super Improvers Team this year in my classroom. It is a natural fit to our already existing school culture. We use data binders to help students make and keep track of goals in both academic and character education areas. The Super Improvers Team will not only help with behaviors, but provide me with another avenue to show student progress throughout the year.
ReplyDeleteI hope that I will not need to, but I may use practice cards in the spring. (After all, it is a long year!) At the time, I cannot foresee my current students needing the cards, but I know how quickly time can change things too. I like knowing that this will be in my back pocket if it ever does become needed.
Geni Ainge
Geni,
DeleteThese are two very effective levels! I hope you try some of the others that are equally effective and fun! Here are 25 certification points!
I love the progression of these levels. Typically, I don’t get much further than level four or five, as kinders tend to have more people-pleasing personalities, but it is great to have back-ups as needed! I would stay in the first level for the first month of school, so the students have an opportunity to get used to their new routines and expectations. It would add cohesiveness to a group of students who have not only never been in the same room together, but oftentimes have not experienced the structure of a classroom.
ReplyDeleteI would transition them to level two with plenty of time to see academic growth by the end of the first marking period (around the beginning of September). In the past, I’ve called these my “super star goals” and awarded points every time a goal was met. WBT level two is even more efficient because it encompasses behavior goals as well, along with the baby steps it takes to get to larger goals.
Level three is very similar to my “glow and grows” take-home paper, except that they occur daily instead of weekly. I think level three is more effective because it offers immediate reinforcement. It can also be used in conjunction with the goals that the students have been developing for themselves—which is a great motivator for growth! Depending on the make-up of the class, I would introduce this second marking period (end of October/beginning of November).
Level four would come in with marking period three (early-mid January). This would help pull drifters back into our routines and expectations after the long Christmas break!
Level five, if necessary, would be introduced with the last marking period. This would garner some team-based excitement that would contribute to individual growth as well! Especially at a time of the year when everyone is anxious for a break, I would also start increasing the number of reward minutes that could be earned (maybe 5 instead of 3 on an epic day). Combined, I think this would be the most effective way to end the year!
Catherine,
DeleteYou have a great plan here. Luckily, with WBT, the kiddos are so engaged that we rarely have to use the higher levels! Here are 25 certification points!
I am most likely to use the Scoreboard (level 1) and Super Improver Teams (level 2). I will use them all year. I am going to introduce the Scoreboard first and the Super Improver Teams in the following weeks. I feel that these two are going to work together nicely. The many variations will keep the Scoreboard fun and exciting enough to last all year. The Super Improver Teams will last all year as well. It takes a long time to move up to the top and there are so many different ways to add stars that the possibilities are endless.
ReplyDeletePractice Cards will also be used throughout the year. I see this being needed with a few of my challenging children. It will most likely come in handy after the Christmas break more but will also be beneficial to use at the very beginning of the school year. Using them early will show that there are consequences. I would use the Guff Counter for my back talkers and disrespectful students. I do not see this being needed on a regular basis. I also see this being needed toward the end of the school year.
Charisse Norton
Great response, Charisse! The Super Improvers Team is a real jewel in a classroom. If you haven't seen this yet, go watch Andrea Schindler, co-founder of WBT, talk more on the Scoreboard. https://katch.me/WBTlittlerocket/v/8c5dc47c-6bde-372c-9d81-f45443ed8d28 Here are 25 points!
ReplyDeleteScoreboard Levels
ReplyDeleteI know I will use the level 1 scoreboard throughout the entire school year. This will begin on the first day of school.
Beginning after the first month of school I will begin level 2, Super Improver’s Team, and use this for the rest of the school year. SIT worked well in my classroom last year. My students were motivated to move up and they even supported one another by suggesting stars if they felt a classmate deserved one.
If at the end of two months I have students still struggling with classroom behavior I will implement level 3, Practice Cards. These, too, will continue throughout the year.
As a second grade teacher I hope those are the only levels I will need to use with my class, however, I will be ready for the higher levels if the students need them!
Kimberley Nixon
Kimberley,
DeleteWe usually don't need those upper levels because the kids love the scoreboard and the SIT so much! After Thanksgiving break is the perfect time to display your Practice Cards (just in case you need them later). Here are 25 certification points!
Level One: This will be used every day with additional sub-levels added every few weeks. These additions will include – Boys V Girls, ‘Blue Dubs’ (where a blue marker is worth double Smiley or Frownie points), Winners line up first, and Teacher V Students. I will use this level of the Scoreboard all year long.
ReplyDeleteLevel Two: Super Improvers Team (SIT). I will implement this around week 3 of the school year. I will have separate coloured cards for each student. Each colour will represent a higher level on the SIT and each student will need to make 10 improvements which are rewarded with a star in order to climb to the next level. These improvements can be in academic or social behaviour, or for setting and breaking personal records in anything from reading speed to lunch queue behaviour. I will use this level all year long, and any students who make it to the top level of ‘Living Legend’ will have their photograph taken. These photos will remain high on my wall for the rest of my teaching career, as a glowing reminder to all my future students of the lofty heights they could reach.
Level Three: Practice Cards. I will implement this level in the fourth week of the school year. I will have a pile of small white cards with the different class rules printed on them. Each child will have their own number on a wall chart. When I am teaching and see a student breaking a rule, without stopping teaching, I will put a card representing the broken rule into that student’s number pocket. This tells the student that they must stay in at break-time for one minute to practise that rule. This results in an individual student’s behaviour being corrected without scolding or interrupting a lesson. This year I am going to allow students to decide whether they think they need to practise a rule for 45 seconds, 60 seconds, or 90 seconds. This will give students an ‘internal locus of control’ and show them that it is they who are responsible for making decisions aimed at improving their own behaviour.
I will use level three all year long and bring in purple practise cards later on. Purple cards are awarded to students when they do a good job of following a rule. It serves to neutralise any previously received white card. Later still I will bring in ‘Star Cards’ which I give to students who clearly need to become more aware of their own behaviour. A Star Card will have a specific rule or behaviour written on it that I want a child to focus on. Any time that child feels they have followed that rule they make a tally mark on their star card. They show me their card at the end of the day, and if I agree with their tally count (roughly) I will award them either a Super Improvers Star or a purple practise card with a ‘note of praise’ home to their parents.
Quentin Dalrymple
3/4th grade
Perthshire, Scotland
Quentin,
DeleteEach of these levels will help as you motivate your students to be self monitoring during the year! You may want to consider waiting a little longer to bring in your practice cards, (we usually bring ours out at the end of November - which is about 8 weeks into the school year) ~keep them in your back pocket as long as you can, although that is completely up to you! Nice work, here are 25 certification points!
Nicole Desrosiers Weare, NH
ReplyDeleteHaving completed my first year of Scoreboard work, I feel even more prepared to tackle the upcoming year. I will begin the year with Level One, allowing my students time to understand how the Scoreboard works and how their positive behavior can make the Scoreboard work in their favor.
I will most likely implement Level 2 during the first month of school. At this point I will have noticed certain behaviors and/or class rules that need special attention. We will most likely work on the first two levels of the Super Improvers Team as a class. Last year I found it helpful to use Super Improvers Team Brag Tickets... this made it easy for me to quickly assign stars to students. Students would then be able to cash in their tickets on Friday for stars. Use of Level 2 will continue for the remainder of the school year. Last year two students reached Genius Level... their photos will now hang on my Genius Wall!
After allowing my students to make improvements to their behavior through use of the Super Improvers Team, I can then implement Practice Cards for students who need extra practice after Thanksgiving. While I did not use this level last year, I see the benefits for both sides - students who need behavior help and those who need to be congratulated! This level could continue throughout the school year as needed.
I loved using the Guff Counter, Level 4, last year! One of the great things about this level is that it can be implemented at any time during the school year. I will wait until that first “guff” moment to introduce it. I love how Kate Bowski introduced this level by giving her students a chance to understand it first. This level can be used throughout the year after it is first introduced.
As I am not as familiar with Levels 5-7 as I am with the beginning levels, it is my understanding that these levels will truly prove necessary during the school year when students or group of students have not been affected by the first levels, especially from January to the end of the school year. They will be used until unruly behaviors discontinue. While I am sure that it is a teacher’s hope that these levels will not be reached, a prepared teacher is a successful teacher! Having these levels in my teaching tool kit will help me to be prepared for the behaviors that may present themselves.
Nicole,
DeleteYou are right~ a prepared teacher IS a successful teacher! You will see a noticeable change when you use these tools, and your students will appreciate the engagement and FUN that they will have as they learn! Here are 25 certification points!