I'm 5 weeks into using WBT for the first time & am committed to the year, but need some help. I have a 4th grade class of 33 students, (41 for math), majority English learners in a low income school. They are sweet kids, but a very immature & very chatty group. I have moved to the practice cards since I have several students still not following rules. They are great at practicing & repeating rules, but do not follow them.
Meanwhile am I to continue using the scoreboard at the same time in addition to the cards? Due to my schedule, we have no breaks at all in the afternoon & it's difficult for all of us. I'm praising those that follow rules, but I'm running out of steam with what to do with those continual talkers. What am I doing wrong?
Thanks for the help in advance.

Hi ccamacho,

Since your class is having trouble following Rule #2 - Raise your hand for permission to speak - take it and make it a game with a reward. Start by getting a kitchen timer or buzzer. Tell your students that since they are having a tough time with Rule #2 they are going to have a challenge. Explain that for every twenty minutes that go by without anyone breaking Rule #2 they will receive a star. If by Friday they earn 20 stars they will get to play a fantastic game or have fantastic reward (you decide or what would most motivate them). Set the timer and begin. If anyone talks or makes a noise purposefully that disrupts the class reset the timer and begin again. If they are having trouble earning one star consider decreasing the time. You can always increase time later. If the motivator you chose isn't working pick a different one. I tried this today for the first time and even my most chatty student was quiet - my motivation worked So far we have three stars and it was an awesome Monday - oooooohhhhh yeaaaahhhhhh:) I love rehearsal games.

Liann

Great response Liann!

I believe the Weekly Stars may help the "chatty" problem. Like Liann said~ you can make it a fantastic "monumental" reward~ for instance~ my kiddos get to go on the "big" kid's playground. Woooooo! but I realize that fourth graders are not likely to get that excited over that....so, some ideas are games like mind soccer, around the world (great way to review those lovely times tables), or what about taking them out for a game of kickball (is extra "pe" time allowed?)
AS an answer to your question: Yes~ you use the Scoreboard and practice cards together. This is the break down:
Long term, whole group rewards: Weekly stars
Daily, whole group rewards: Scoreboard
Individual consequences: Practice cards

Let us know how it goes:)!!!