The first week of school is over, and I slept for 12 hours last night! Teaching is exhausting, but I am pleased to have Whole Brain Teaching to minimize the stress!
Within the first half hour of the first day, my 2nd graders were answering class-yes, cheering on the scoreboard, and using the teach-ok like champs! It was awesome!
Our school now has a "social skill of the week." This week it was, "Make eye contact while speaking." This went along perfectly with learning the teach-ok.
"Remember, make eye contact with your partner!"
After a few days I added in the Switch. They were giggling and smiling with joy as they called out, "ah-oh, switch!" and pulled the imaginary switch to take turns.
On Monday we started by learning only the first three rules. The students mirrored me as we practiced the gestures. The rules are a great way for them to start learning the teach-ok. They taught their partner each rule and then practiced them all in order. On Tuesday and Wednesday we added another rule.
By the end of the week the students were tired and getting sluggish. I amped up the scoreboard, called out the rules for practice when someone broke them, and rehearsed, rehearsed, rehearsed. I had to keep Chris Biffle's words in mind, "Whole Brain Teachers never scold...they rehearse!" That sure is hard to remember some times, but it does keep the blood pressure down ;-)
Allison
WBT Intern, 2011-12
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