I am looking for a new classroom management system this year as my previous efforts have failed miserably. I am just wondering how well this would work for my elementary art classes (K-5). I only see each class once a week for 45 minutes. Is this really long enough to teach them the system? I was thinking if I could get the music teacher on board that it might reinforce the system a bit more.

I think you're right -- the more teachers you can involve, the better! On the other hand, even if it begins as only "your" rules [worst case scenario], you DO see every kiddo in your school each week. And if you don't start it, who will? Pass along this site! Share those videos. 2 specials teachers using WBT is 2 more people spreading the word.

I teach elementary music and am planning on using at least the attention getter and the scoreboard. I see my students twice a week for half an hour and plan on spending the first 15 minutes of each class during the first week practicing these with my students. I'm anxious to see if it works as well as it seemed to in the workshop.

ABSOLUTELY get your music teacher on board! I'm an art teacher also. Last year when I learned about this method I taught it to the music teacher. We got together and devised a set of classroom rules and motions that are the same (with one exception that is specific to our classes). This has made it so much easier to teach it to the students. Also, since we both see the whole school, now the entire school population knows class/yes. It's super easy to get everyone's attention quickly that way. After watching how easily we can get a class' attention, several of their homeroom teachers have also adapted the technique!

It's great to hear that this has worked in an art/music setting. If you don't mind NJArt, I have a few questions. Have you incorporated everything, or just specific things? For example: Teach/ok, scoreboard etc...

Also, how often do you practice rules, and what is the extra rule you added in? I'm just curious, because school starts in about a month and I'd like to get a game plan ready to propose to my music teacher.

I really love the idea of the entire school knowing the system. It would make life so much easier. Any info you could give would be helpful. Thanks!

pixitrix wrote:


I have only done specific things... I teach them the class/yes, hands and eyes, and class rules. I do the score board with SOME classes that are a bit more challenging to manage. I don't do the teach/ok because most of my classes are not lecture type classes, but hands on... still I do incoporate a bit of motion in my explination of things, esp. with the little guys. Like if I talk about line, I'll have my little ones draw the different kinds of lines in the air that we are talking about.

I don't practice the rules with every class every day. I would go nuts if I had to hear the rules 6 times a day for 180 days!! I do practice them several times in the beginning of the year, and then whenever I feel that they need a refresher. The beginning of a marking period is a good time to refresh their memories too. I also remind them of the rules when I see someone breaking it. For example, if someone is out of their seat I'll say what's rule number 3?

These are the rules I used last year:

1. Follow directions quickly
2. Be kind to your classmates and teacher
3. Be seated and raise your hand
4. Take care of the room and don't throw anything
5. Work hard and do your best!

the music teacher has the same rules, except her rule #4 is something like Take care of the room and instruments.

I have intruced several other teachers I work with to power teaching, and they have tried the teach/ok with good results.

When I read your post, I suddenly realized that if I start using Power Teaching in MY classroom as an elementary music teacher, ALL of the students will learn it since I teach every one of them. If it works for me, maybe it will spread schoolwide.

Diane