Testing it out

After watching Coach B's state test prep video, I wanted to try out some of the labeling techniques in my classroom.  So began Doofus, Trickster, and Smarty.  These are labels for multiple-choice answers on

Doofus: answers that are obviously wrong.
Trickster: answers that are close or "tricky" in another way
Smarty: a right answer that can be proven with work (math) or underlined in a reading passage

My kids LOVE doing this.  Since when do kids love test prep? We made up gestures and faces for each one (their "doofus" faces are hilarious) and they're quickly able to pick out Doofus and Tricksters.

The best part is adding the "because" clapper.  "I think this is a Doofus because_______".  Some serious critical thinking is happening!  The kids really enjoy picking out the Tricksters.  We often talk about the mean old test makers who are out to trick unsuspecting third graders.

So far I've had success with this will all levels of students.

  Be sure to watch Coach B's video for more ideas!

After we finished, one student said, "Ms. Mahan, this is easy!" 

(This from a student who previously sighed heavily and rolled his eyes whenever we got out books!)

Teacher Heaven.

Do you use Doofus, Trickster, and Smarty in your classroom?

What are your favorite test prep techniques?

A Flaky Freebie

Snow snuck up on Oklahoma City... school has been out since last Thursday.

The relaxation has been nice, but cabin fever is beginning to set in.  A teacher friend of mine is referring to this as "cold summer."  With all this free time, might as well brush up on Whole Brain!

If you are unfamiliar with Whole Brain Teaching, it is a phenomenal teaching method created by Chris Biffle (Coach B!)  The website (www.wholebrainteaching.com) is definitely worth a visit.  Here's what you'll find:

• FREE stuff! (Downloads, powerpoint slides, resources, etc. etc.)
• Webcasts explaining and modeling all of the techniques (hundreds!)
• Forums to discuss ideas and issues with other Whole-Brainers
• Certification information
• Testimonials
• Links to buy the Whole Brain Teaching book

This is going to sound like hyperbole, but the book is the best teaching book I've read so far.  The layout is exactly what I've always wanted from educational materials.  There are real-life examples and a timeline, people!  Game changer.

I won't go into all the details of Whole Brain here, but if you are a teacher who loves learning and desires to know what "Teacher Heaven" is truly like... check it out.

For those of you using Whole Brain, I created a rule reflection sheet.  Our school adheres to a PBIS program, which involves a "recovery area" in the classroom.  Since I've started the Scoreboard and 5 rules, I haven't had to use our recovery area (hooray!), but the forms are ready just in case.  I made a PBIS/Whole Brain form for kids to reflect upon while taking a quick break.  A few students have even requested them on rough days! Wow!

The front details the problem at hand, while the back is meant to get them thinking positively about the classroom, themselves, people that believe in them, and their ability to turn their day around.  These could be a form of Practice Cards as well.  Click on the top picture to get yours for free.

Happy Whole Braining! Stay warm!

Madeline

The Brains Behind The Machine

Colleagues have long teased me about the activity in my classroom.  There's always been singing, dancing, acting, and just general craziness tied into the curriculum.
So, this summer, when I happened across Whole Brain Teaching, I could almost hear the "Hallelujah" chorus.  I just knew-

"That will teach them."

Unlike other teaching books, this one was extremely practical.  I knew exactly what to do and when.
Best of all, it made sense.  Everything was backed up with brain research!  Deep down, I knew this was the right way to teach kids.
Then came the videos! A friend of mine and I began watching webcasts one after another, comparing notes and looking forward to the beginning of the year.  Everything I saw reiterated what I believed about kids and learning.  So, this year, I dove right in.

I began Whole Brain techniques before students even stepped foot into the classroom.  I had studied the webcasts about the first moments of WBT and the whole day was jam-packed with the 5 rules, the Scoreboard, Class-Yes, and Teach-Ok.  I didn't feel like a single second was wasted.
For the past four months I have implemented Whole Brain Teaching in my classroom, gradually adding new techniques.  I was convinced before trying it out, but watching the results proves all the theories outlined by Coach B.  The techniques are slowly starting to seep through the building as other teachers notice the results.  Classroom management is a breeze, scores are raising, and everyone's having fun, including me!
I look forward to becoming certified and enjoying the results of Teacher Heaven.
Thanks, Whole Brain.  Thanks, Coach B.
Here goes!