I started WBT full speed last Wednesday and I am finally getting the hang of it. My students are doing MUCH better and more coordinated with the Class/yes and Teach/ok. At the beginning I felt they were not going to get it...but as days go on...it truly WORKS.

However, I have noticed something I am not sure it is something to worry. I teach science and math in 3rd grade. Especially for science I LOVE using gestures for some parts of our reading to make the concept more clear to my students. When I say gestures - my students reply "gestures" in unison and mimic what I do. Then I say "stop" gestures and they stop. HOWEVER, I see a handful of students who would continue to do them even after my command to stop has been said.

It does not seem they are doing consciously, BUT should I tell them to stop and NO MORE gestures??? Is it ok for those few to mimic my gestures once in a while????

HELP!!!!

Rosskel, I would use the scoreboard as a way to control the gestures. Continuing your gestures is positive because I think it shows they enjoy participating. But as a teacher you do need to move on...especially with everyone's attention. Try saying "hands and eyes!" in an excited voice. This will alert the students that you need their undivided attention. They should immediately respond with "hands and eyes" back to you with their eyes on you and their hands folded...if they don't...well that's a point for you on the scoreboard. Scoreboard information can be downloaded from the "Downloads" tab.

I truly would not worry about it. In fact, why tell them to stop? Yes, there are times where you may want to tell them that they 'can stop' (go to one of Biffle's WBT seminars...all day gestures can sure burn calories!), but when it really comes down to it.....it's beautiful-- THEY'RE IN YOUR SYSTEM! I mean, it's fantastic! So what if they are gesturing to rebel, or if they are doing it unconsciously....the fact is, if they are still mirroring your gestures, it means they are still focusing on you. Not on the Tech Deck in their desk, not on drawing or writing a note, and not on their friends. They're focused on you, and more important, on the class material.
So... I say...hooray!

I often find myself telling students to do something, or asking them to stop doing something...and then I have to step back and ask myself why it matters to me... what's my goal? If, at that moment, your goal is for them to be focused and engaged, then let the quirky fellas be quirky.