Break on through to the other side...Yeah

Please pardon my Doors reference. I couldn't resist. This was the magical week when second graders leave first grade behind and begin to work towards independence. We worked on following directions quickly and raise your hand to speak more than anything else. These simple rules are part of the big five from Whole Brain Teaching. The first day of school my students learned Class! Yes! I looove the effectiveness of this attention getter. I can whisper, "Class" and my students will whisper back, "Yes." I can say, "Classity, Class and they will respond, "Yessity, Yes" We even use Spanish. I find myself wanting to say Class when I want my own children's attention. After practicing Class! Yes! we learned Mirror and Words. Mirror and Words has every child saying every word I say and copying every gesture I make. Yes...EVERY child. EVERY word and EVERY gesture. It is delightful. Next order of business is Teach! O.K.! Students turn to another student and teach using the same words and gestures they mirrored. After we practiced this skill we learned the big five using Teach! OK!1. Follow Directions Quickly 2. Raise Your Hand to Speak 3. Raise Your Hand to Get Out of Your Seat 4.Make Smart Choices 5. Keep Your Dear Teacher Happy. I am one happy teacher! If you want to learn more about Whole Brain Teaching check out the site at www.wholebrainteaching.com