Scoreboard

Scoreboard.  This has been so effective.  It redirects without drawing attention to or singling out a student.  If a rule is being broken, I give a tally for me (under the frowny face), an almighty groan is heard, and we move on.  I like what I hear or see, I give the class a tally (under the happy face), and the almighty "Oh, yeah!" is heard.  We move on.

When we return from Christmas break, I plan on putting a scoreboard on a lanyard to wear while I walk around the classroom or school.  I'll transfer the tallies to the board later.  I think this will be a good extension!  Another option is the Scoreboard app that is available. Sounds like something I'll be trying! 

By showing the scores in different way, the scoreboard also provides a way to implement mathematical practices.  I use the tallies, the ten frame(s), the bead rack, the greater than/less than signs, and addition and subtraction problems while using the Scoreboard.

Scoreboard extension:  I create a secret reward by spelling it out on pieces of paper, turning them over, and taping  them to the wall.  If the students have more "points" at the end of the day, I let the leader choose one letter to be revealed.  If I have more points, no letter is revealed.  For example, I spell "Extra Recess", "Pizza Party", or "Cocoa and a movie".  The students get their reward when all the letters are turned over.

The next level is practice cards.  I'll start incorporating them after Christmas break, as well.  I like how Whole Brain Teaching keeps things fresh and is a great supplement to the new standards!  Check it out!  Lots of videos, ebooks, documents and other free materials are available at www.wholebrainteaching.com.

The Five Rules

The five rules are: 
"Rule number 1:" (leader of the day, holding up one finger)
"Rule number 1:  Follow directions quickly." (entire class, with motions) 
(pattern repeats with rules 2-5)
Rule number 2:  Raise your hand for permission to speak.
Rule number 3:  Raise your hand for permission to leave your seat.
Rule number 4:  Make smart choices.
Rule number 5:  Make your dear teacher happy.

Our leader leads us in reciting these rules in the morning, after lunch, and after recess.  Other times, as needed.  

I have found the rules to cover everything.  I may only show the motions for the rule to redirect, keeping things moving at times.  

The five rules lead nicely to the Scoreboard.  I like the scoreboard, too.  After Christmas break, I plan on incorporating the practice cards, too.  But I'll discuss the scoreboard next time!

Colors

I saw it in the "to go" box.  It was fun.  It was cute.  Lots of things have ended up in my classroom that once belonged to one of my children.  This time, my daughter was cleaning out and updating her bedroom when I spotted the fuzzy lamp.  The colors fed my theme...so I guess it all began with the fuzzy lamp. 

The fuzzy lamp

The fuzzy, furry, no, funny friend clubhouse

More color

While in Nashville this summer, I was at a little frozen yogurt shop that had lots of colors; each wall, angle, and jut was painted a different "sherbet" color.  Then there was the counter.  I liked the corrugated aluminum used underneath the counter top.  Discussing how I liked that look, my sister (she is the crafty one in the family) informed me there are metallic spray paints out there.  Hmmm.  I did not know!  Spray painting the lockers?  That had never crossed my mind before!  Thank you, Sweet Cece's and Sista!  

Classroom Theme

The theme of a "Fun Friendship Clubhouse" developed from wanting a fresh, colorful classroom and needing to combine themes.  In the search for something new, the monster theme caught my eye.  The colors, that is.  I grabbed up the monster clubhouse bulletin board.  I called it a furry friends clubhouse.  The already-bought and used, but too-new-to-pitch number line did color-coordinate well...with frogs for a theme.  Then, the job chart had an alien theme.  So did the birthday chart.  Hmmm.  Those were adorable, but aliens and frogs were not furry.  Frogs.  Aliens.  Monsters.  Furry Friends.  A little quick on the draw, I had already marked the "Furry Friends Clubhouse" with a nice Sharpie pen.  This led to some pondering.  Then it seemed so clear!  I would shape those r's into n's and...I now had funny friends.  To my relief, funny friends could come in any shape, size, color, or texture! 

Colors?  Perhaps that's another blog!

The First

Here I go!  The first post of my first blog...ever!  I am blogging to record and share my progress in the whole brain teaching adventure.  Also, I hope to explore new methods to teach the new standards.  What better way to learn than to write about it?!  Here we go!