Whole Brain Teaching: Why I'm in Love!

 

 I've caught the Whole Brain Teaching bug and I'm so glad that I did! Recently, I took an interest in WBT after seeing a colleague who was using the rules. What I've found is that my class, who was introduced to most of the components of Whole Brain Teaching that I'm using in my classroom, is responding extremely well to it. We just finished our second week of school and we're running like a well oiled machine. 

I started with the rules on day one of school. "Keep your dear teacher happy" didn't seem like a rule to me though, so I made a change. Here are  our classroom rules. Each has accompanying hand signals. I say "Rule number 1" and my kiddos respond with the rule and motions.

1. Follow directions quickly.
2. Raise your hand to speak or stand.
3. Listen when your teacher's talking.
4.  Make smart choices.
5. Respect yourself, respect others, respect your school.  

We're also using the call and responses suggested for WBT (with a few edits that I find adorable and kinder appropriate):

• Teacher: "Class"
• Students: "Yes"

• Teacher: "Class, class"
• Students: "Yes, yes"

• Teacher: "Oh class"
• Students: "Oh yes"

• Teacher: "Macaroni and cheese"
• Students: "Everybody freeze!" (this is our personal favorite)

• Teacher: "Stop"
• Students: "Collaborate and listen!" (huge cute factor when this is coming out of the mouth of a 5 year old) 

We're also using these lovely tricks of the WBT trade:

• Mirrors
• Amazing for making sure my kiddos are focused on me and doing what I'm doing. This kids also love getting to start the mirrors when they're the leader.

• Teach. Okay!
• This is used when I've just gone over a concept. My kiddos turn and teach what they've just learned to a nearby buddy by repeating what I've said. They LOVE this and it's pretty effective as well.

• Switch! 
• We haven't fully grasped this trade off while "teaching" yet, but it's a work in progress. 

• Our whole class management system:
• When we doing something well as a class, we get a One Second Party. The kids say "Oh Yeah!" and we get a smile on our chart.
• When we make a mistake, we don't pout, we have a "Mighty Grown". The kids thrust their fists by their sides and make a groan. Then it's over and we move on.

Safe to say, I'm officially hooked on Whole Brain Teaching! Plus there are so many amazing FREE resources on TPT for it! I can't wait to continue our school year with this awesome new set of rule and procedures.  

Classroom Tour: Part 2

Today officially marks one week left of my summer vacation! I'm actually ready to go back, although not fully ready for early morning waking up. I spent the day tying up all the odds and ends in my room and here it is!

This is the back of my book case. A little happiness to brighten up the room!

Library Books

Reading buddies, cool down stool, and a comfy chair to read on.

My library is my favorite part of my classroom this year!

I turned my computers into bees this year.

Student Cubbies and teacher storage hidden by fabric.

Student Supplies

My new portable word wall! I'm very excited about this!

Pocket charts for center activities.

Student Share Bags

My cute little sink area. I'm obsessed with my Mason Jars!

Small group work area.

My word wall and Blooms display. 

 

 

 

That's it! I'm officially ready for the new school year and super excited for the new school year! =)

Classroom Tour: Part One

Okay, I'm going to start with a confession. I am a teacher junkie. Recently when I had the house to myself I discovered what would happen if I lived alone- I'd work even more than I already do. My friends and family would say I have a bit of a problem, but you know what? I love it! My crazy need to organize all things took form in my classroom this summer and paired with my new obsession with my bee theme, I now have my favorite classroom setup since I've been teaching! So, without further or do... HERE IT IS!

Let's do the hallway first!

Here's the display for my student's artwork.

This is where academic work will be displayed. Spoiler alter, I will have more than 14 students!

My beautiful wreath made by another teacher.

The wall outside of my classroom.

Closeup on the sign I just made for my door.

New hive rug.

Moving inside...

This has to be big, because it's my favorite! My calendar bulletin board makes me happy! The silver cupcakes will have candles with students name and birthday for each month.

I really like my chevron CHAMPS posters!

I need to set the times on my clocks, seems like a pretty crazy day with them as they are, doesn't it?




I made my first Expert Book! This is to help build student independence. It gives students the role of expert shoe tiers, coat zippers, and all sorts of other tasks. I'm hoping it's helpful!

My JOBZZZ. I love a good pun!

How We Get Home Chart waiting for student names!

Last but not least, my kiddos will  get ready for their day here. Student mailboxes, conduct folders, sign-in chart, pencil sharpening, and shoe tying station. 

 

 

 

So there it is, part one of my classroom tour. Part two coming soon! =)