Bridging a problem

I spend my days primarily in a Title 1 school which is failing to meet NCLB requirements and has a 99% free or reduced lunch rate. These kids are tough; they come from unimaginable backgrounds, and have very little parental support. I was shocked when I found out that the school had special liaisons to go to a student’s home to collect documents (registration, field trip, etc…) as the parents have no car. My heart breaks for these kids as I grew up in a similar environment. 

Perhaps because I do understand their background, I have been able to successfully work with some of the most difficult students that others have given up on. 

I LOVE the agreement bridge. My favorite part is the fact that it uses “we.” All too often, I hear teachers state the student has a problem. This is wrong. It takes two people to create a problem, if the teacher was not requesting/imposing A, there would be no problem. These students need to feel like someone is on their side, that they are a team. Together anything is possible! The agreement bridge provides this foundation. 

While the agreement bridge provides collaboration, negotiation, flexibility, and infinite possibilities, I do feel that the time it takes to set up the game and the continual time needed to play it could be an issue. Working with younger elementary students, I feel that I could use this with my students in a one-to-one counseling session for the first meeting during lunch or specials (only time to meet alone).

During this time I would meet with the student to create a game board using a laminated file folder. The center of the game would have a picture of a ruler and a bridge. We could each make a marker that represents us. No words or anything else on it. Then we can hang it up in a special spot in the room. This would serve as a reminder that 1) we are a team 2) we are working on meeting goals together, and 3) would provide a daily visual reminder of how we are progressing.

This allows the teacher and student to move the marker closer to the goals without having a meeting. I also think that the student and teacher should be able to move the marker backwards. Sometimes this simple silent clue, will let the teacher know we need some special time together. 

One of the things I do with my problematic students is that I set a new goal with them at the start of each day. Today we will complete 5 more math problems. Today we will not interrupt Mrs. Poland during her reading lesson. Today we will complete bell work.

I have found this simple 30 second talk helps my students. We high-five when they accomplish it. I make sure that if they get done early with a project we have some “Hello” time.

I think the most important thing that our most trouble students need to know is that we see them, that we are happy that they are there, and that we are a team. Together… we can make anything possible.

The agreement bridge documents our possibilities and our success. It also great for meeting IEP and 504 goals. We can look at those together, pick one to focus on and added to our bridge. The ideas are truly limitless!

The Genius Ladder

Have you ever wondered how you can get your students to write better? The more time I spend learning about WBT the more I discover! Check out this video:




You can check out the second part of this video here:




In true WBT style, the basics are used to teach the student how to write a sentence. This can then be used  to write paragraphs and from paragraphs to pages. It still allows the student to use gestures and gives them a chance to teach their neighbors while exploring this concept.

The students first learn how to create better sentences orally and then after figuring this system out the begin writing them down. It also teaches parts of speech. Change the genius ladder to fit your needs by having students replace the parts of speech you are wanting to focus on. 

So how long does it take to teach? About 10 minutes when you first introduce this concept. As children become familiar with this technique and begin to use it on their own it will take less time.


This image is from Rand and was created for a smart board. I love how it shows each of the 4 stages in an easy format.



I tried this out with my nine-year old. He loves to write. He is always wanting to improve his writing but he hates being taught how to write. 

He LOVED this. He wanted to know why I kept it a secret for so long. He got out his dictionary and went to town improving his latest story. His brothers wanted to know what he was doing so he showed them the ladder.

He then taught his younger and older brother HOW to write a better sentence. I love the fact that this was so exciting to him that he got his brother who hates to write, writing by choice!

You know how I love creative ideas, right! Check out this Genius Ladder created by Mrs. Valdes!

So as you can see.... this is a tiny part of the board but look at the little guys on the rope climbing up the board! I love this little detail. I am so gonna have to snag this and use it in my room. Mrs. Valdes has some great ideas for decorating so stop bye and check it out.

Our students truly are climbing up the ladder and improving their skills using the genius ladder. I love the visual to help remind the students of their goal.

I am off to figure out where I can find me some little climbers!






If you are a WBT teacher or learning about WBT, join our linky party! We would all love to meet you!

Rule #5

In Whole Brain Teaching, Rule #5 has been seen as highly controversial. "Keep your dear teacher happy." is the rule in question. Coach B. says it leads to teacher heaven but with so many people being unsure...

Complaint 1: I read on a blog (was it yours?) that a teacher complained about rule 5 as the point of education was not to keep the teacher happy but to educate. The administration agreed.

Complaint 2: It is too arbitrary. It has too many meanings. It is not explicit enough.

Complaint 3: I don't want it to appear all about me. I went into it for the students; because it is my passion not to be the star of a one-man show. (Sorry teachers, we are ALWAYS the star of our own show!).

As I read about these concerns, I echoed their same thoughts. And then I got to thinking. What does this really mean?

My oldest is my "loop hole" child. I swear that child could wiggle his way out of anything. For sooooo many years I always had to add the caveat "and your Mama can change these conditions at any time as they see willing in order to ensure you are comply with ..... " UGH! It was amazing... he could even wiggle out of that one!

As I have been studying on WBT and preparing to attend the conference this week (YEA!! Who is gonna be in Louisiana with me??), I have used these items on my guinea pigs ... ummm... children. Rule #5 not only leads to teacher heaven but to Mama heaven.

HOW?

All I have to ask is one simple question:

 "Do you think that is gonna make Mama happy?"

No, back talking does not make mama happy.

No, teasing your brother does not make mama happy.

No, shoving everything under your bed when you are cleaning your 

room does not make mama happy.

No, cleaning the toilet with your brothers toothbrush

does not make mama happy.

No, feeding the puppy your vegetables does not 

make mama happy. 

In the classroom:

"Do you think that is gonna make Mrs. Poland happy?"

No, hiding under the desk does not make Mrs. Poland happy. 

No, tattling does not make Mrs. Poland happy. 

No, hitting our friends does not make Mrs. Poland happy. 

No, sharpening pencils while I am taking does not make

Mrs. Poland happy. 

No, talking in the halls does not make Mrs. Poland happy. 

Do you see why rule #5 is so important? Can you imagine how long the list of rules would be without #5? Do you have a loop hole child like mine? 

Here is a favorite story from first grade I believe. One of his classroom rules was "Keep your hands and feet to yourself." Simple enough, we have all heard it/used it. What does my loop hole child do? He uses a pencil to poke his friend. 

So to the principal he goes. He believes he has done nothing wrong. We all know its semantics but he doesn't understand this concept. He is a special needs child. He already struggles with communication. He is very literal. How can you explain he is wrong when he did just what you said? 

THIS is the problem I have run across more times than I care to admit too. But with rule #5, I can simply ask "Does poking your friend, whom I understand you do not like, make Mrs. Poland happy?" The answer is no. It does not. I do not have to add to my rules... "Keep your hands, feet, pencils, rulers, crayons, glue, and any other personal items to yourself." As this would cause other issues. now he does not have to share his ruler or he can use scissors instead. Sigh... yes... THIS is truly how he thinks!

What about administrators who don't agree? 

Well.... this is a tricky one. You can explain like I have done above WHY this works so well. This isn't necessarily about making you personally happy but rather keeping the peace. 

I explained it to my boys as this... you are ALL important to me. I want what is best for you. When you are not getting the best that makes me unhappy. This applies to so many situations!! 

Think about the special needs child. He/she gets special help, attention, etc because that is what is best for him/her. How often have you heard "it's not fair!"? Well, THIS makes you happy as it is the best for him/her and therefore is within the limits you have set. 

GENIUS!

I tell ya! Pure Genius!

I am also planning on sharing my rules at back to school night and creating a letter home explaining the rules and why they are important... especially #5. No one has to bring me Starbucks or flowers. It isn't about me at all but rather about what is best for each of your students. 

To the parent who complains

Dear Parent, your child is unique, special, adorable, and precious. I agree with you and as such I want the best for him or her! I can't think of all the things that may occur during the course of  the year in my classroom but I do know that wanting the best for him/her is my top priority. That is what makes me happy. To protect your child I put this rule in place. This ensures that no matter what creative idea another child may come up with, if it is not in the best interest of your child, it does not make me happy and therefore it is not within the rules. This applies to each and everyone of my students. What makes you happy as a parent is to see your child happy, loved, and well taken care of. What makes me happy as a teacher is to see your child happy, loved, engaged, and well taken care of. Together, we can provide the best possible year for your child by using this rule. Please let me know if you have any questions.

What are your thoughts on Rule #5?

Introduction to Polygons

For my last class, I had to create an entire scripted lesson plan for use with ELL, ESS (SPED), and G&T students. As I have been focusing on creating a framework from which to base my lessons, I decided to create a math lesson plan to use for this assignment as well as for use with my plan.

I decided to open my lesson plan with an amazing book that my youngest son loves. The Greedy Triangle by Marilyn Burns is a reference utilized by many teachers. I found it on YouTube! 

After each shape is introduced pause the video or stop reading. Using a Chinese Jump rope have each table group recreate the shape. If you prefer to have your students do this independently use a geoboard.

To help students remember the names of the various regular polygons. I found this song on YouTube. My seven-year old is still singing this in the background as I write this blog. He loves it, he asked me to print out the words to it and it is hanging up in his room.

I next used this amazing kit from Laura Candler which was available for free during the Teacher Appreciation Jackpot. I only used the polygon sort for the lesson plan.

I followed this up with my BUILD Math Masters Interactive Notebook. Where we took notes and drew pictures of the various polygons. Once I finish completing my unit on polygons, I will have the complete set of materials for sale at my store.

To help further support this I used some of the WBT techniques I have been sharing with you. Class-Yes, Switch,  and Teach-Okay. This lesson was my first with WBT and I can't wait to do more! (During this class, I discovered WBT for the first time so have been learning about this while studying.)

I am so excited about how this came out! This unit is aligned to the Common Core Standards (CCSS) 3.G.1.

After introducing this concept, we will move onto more complex geometry concepts. The items introduced will then be moved into BUILD so that students can reinforce this less by repeating various parts of it.

B - Polygon Sort can be added to the games section.
U - The geoboards can be added here along with cards asking them to recreate a shape. Answers on back of the card.
I - Having an iPad or computer set up so students can re-view the video "The Greedy Triangle." Also include this in book format and other books on polygons.
L - There is no "L" for this lesson plan.
D - Worksheets from our curriculum.







I have included my wishlist for use with introducing polygons.Many of these I have already read, I just need to purchase them for my class. As the unit continues, I will add additional books on this topic.

What are your favorite books about polygons? Do you have other resources you use for teaching this?

Portable Scoreboards

I am changing my plans a little so that I can link up with Tara at 4th Grade Frolics for Monday Made It. Each Monday this summer, she is encouraging teachers to post the creative things that they are making for their classrooms.

Admit it! Summer is here and instead of relaxing our creative juices are flowing and we are just itching to make something from pinterest.

Did you all see my last post on scoreboards from WBT? I so love this but I wanted something to have in my sub bag to take with me at the beginning of the year. My students think my sub bag is filled with magical wonders.... like new colors of expo markers (why is this exciting?), stickers, a new book, and maybe a game. Oh and they LOVE Angry Bird Bandaids. Those I swear are magic... it fixes any owie and they instantly stop crying.

Anywho... I wanted some new tricks to start the new year. Yes, I could simply draw a scoreboard on the board but where is the magic in that? It would be like a magician showing the audience a rabbit without first pulling it out of a hat. It's just not right I tell ya!

So when I was out shopping I was looking for a small whiteboard to stick in the magic bag. I found this one at Treasures 4 Teachers. I love the lime green on the corners. It makes it more fun and fun = MAGIC!

I was so excited about this project that I couldn't wait to share it with you!  So I got out some electrical tape and made my board and then drew on a smiley and frowny face to show you my idea. 

 But my project isn't done! I am planning on replacing those little faces with velcro dots. Then I have all different kinds of frowny and smiley faces that I am going to add to this. I have marshmallows, trees, beach balls, hearts, etc... all laminated and ready to be added. This way my scoreboard is ready for any holiday!

I also need to finish up my teacher v. students, boys v. girls, leaders, etc... words that can be used instead of one of the icons. So cute, so versatile. I love it!

Just as with anything there is always more ways to do something. Check out this lanyard scoreboard from Prayers and Purple Elephants!

Just as with my scoreboard she created multiple scoreboards to keep things new and exciting for her students. She also lays out the various levels she uses with her students. What a great post and idea!!

And while I am looking at cute and creative scoreboards... look at this Halloween from Mrs. Crooks.

What are some creative ways that you use the scoreboard? Do you have some amazing pictures to share with us? What levels do you use with your class?

Can't wait to here more from you!

WBT Project & Linky Party

I wanted to take time to thank all of you for spending the week with me and taking a closer look at WBT. I am planning even more posts in the future on this topic. I can't wait to learn and share more with all of you!

I searched and searched the internet looking for even more resources on this topic. In true Coach B. style every resource I found was offered for FREE! It is truly amazing to me what one can find for free.

However, nothing I found matched my classroom soooo I created my own starter kit. You can get this for free at TPT. (Graphics are from WBT or digital sweets.)

Here are some close ups:

I also received so many comments from fellow bloggers saying they too use and love WBT. However, I can't find a collection of links anywhere.

SOOOOOO... 

I decided to host my 

FIRST LINKY PARTY!

(S~C~A~R~Y)

Now you have to join or I will feel horrible. It's my first one so if I do this wrong, my apologies. You know I will be in full OCD mode and checking every minute or two to see if anyone joined. =)

So DID you JOIN YET?

WBT & Homeschooling

Most of my followers are teachers or are in school to become teachers. However, I have several friends who are following, reading my stories, and sending me private emails just as they have done for the last decade.

Who are they? Homeschoolers. Many of you don't know this about me but I homeschooled my children for many years. Why? Because it was the best and only option I had for my oldest son.

Go back with me in time for a moment.

My oldest was about 2 1/2 years old. I walked into our living room and there he sat reading a book I had just purchased. It was a story we had not yet read together, that he had not yet heard before. He asked me to come sit with him so he could read to me.

Okay... I thought. I can't wait to see what story he makes up to go with the pictures. Instead, he read the book. I was flabbergasted. I didn't know whether to cry or smile. It wasn't perfect but it was close.

(Imagine this child actually reading. 

Sorry none of his photos are digital.)

What he couldn't figure out, he made up. I knew right then that I had no choice. Either I taught him the right way or he would teach himself the wrong way. At the age of 2, there was no option. No one would teach him how to write a paragraph or multiple at that age.

It was up to me.

And so I became a homeschool mom. 

Teaching him was never easy. What I planned was often too easy or not enough. Others complained I pushed him to hard but those closest to me saw how I struggled. How I fought to teach him the right way while he fought to teach himself. It was a never-ending battle. A struggle that was often damaging to our relationship.

There were times when we simply had to stop learning and take a breather to ensure we could still have a good relationship. This continued until he was old enough for second grade and I found a school willing to met him and his special challenges.

He was brilliant. 

He had no social skills. 

Welcome to the world of the Asperger's.

I have always had to supplement his education. It is more of a part of who I am, who we are than homeschooling any more. My children truly love to learn and I believe it is because it is part of our values and culture at home.

Before I try anything in my classroom, I try it at home. WBT is no different. I received several emails asking can this work in a homeschooling situation.

YES! 

Oh my yes it can! 

When I think of all the tears, all the struggles, all the midnight ponderings to friends around the world. When I think of all the countless hours I thought I was the problem or this was too much... all I needed was someone who understood how his brain works and to share this secret with me.

I mentioned before how I turned class-yes to boys-mama. I use hands and eyes at home and switch. So many simple little things so much cooperation. I am also using the scoreboard. Parents vs. Kids. 

Does it work?
He is dressed. He brushed his teeth and hair (a huge achievement!!). He did his chores and his bed is made. Now if I could find the secret to teenage attitudes... I would have reached mama heaven!

Check out this video of WBT at home:

My son would have eaten this up if I had known about it a decade ago. So listen up all my homeschool friends... IT WORKS! I can't wait to here your success stories.

In fact my youngest was working with me just this morning on some new WBT techniques and while writing this post came into ask if there was any more fun stuff for him to learn. He also wants to take me for show and tell so he can have fun in school while learning. LOL!

SOOOO.....

it works in the classroom

it works at home

it works with autistic children

it works with gifted children

it works with normal children

it works with children with learning disabilities

it works with children with ADHD

it works with reluctant learners

How do I know?

Because I am a mom to all of these children

Because I am a teach students like these

AND

I have seen amazing results!

WBT Scoreboard

I think the scoreboard is one of my favorite ideas that I have discovered at WBT to date. Why?

Well, I use emoticons already for student reflections. I love how much information a simply smiley face can portray. Students are familiar with their meanings. There is nothing to explain. Even my ESS & ELL students understand these concepts. You know the old saying "a picture is worth a thousand words" WELL so is a smiley!

I have a scoreboard project that I am hoping to complete by the end of the week but for now I am going to keep it a secret! I know... I am such a tease!

Here is a video on the basics of this:

Watch live streaming video from wholebrainteaching1 at livestream.com

If you like this video, there is a whole series on the website to teach you how to use WBT and they are all FREE! They are kinda long so put the kids to sleep, grab a snack and a drink, and get ready to learn!

This is one of the simplest methods to use!! I take this with me each day into my class as a sub. It is a mobile classroom management system. It is genius!

This system is an engaging game! I love games in the classroom. It is fun! It maximizes instructional time!  My favorite part, it is versatile. You can make levels and turn it into a video game-like system.

The key is to keep the score within 3 points AND to use the mighty groan and mighty oh yea when scoring. For me, I like to mix this up to. Sometimes its a 10 finger woo, a round of applause, or patting your neighbor on the back instead of an "oh yea." Whatever it is its a 1 second party or pity party for the students success or failure.

There is also a version of this for students all the way through college!!

Little kids (PK-4th Grade) 

Big kids (5th Grade-College)

It is step 1 in the classroom management plan. I can't wait to see what comes next. I have been creating the clip chart for my room but I am thinking of discarding this idea for WBT.

Stay tuned!