Does anyone have a parent letter suitable for first grade to explain the Whole Brain Teaching technique? Thanks!

Sulery, here's how I would write the letter.

Dear Parent(s),
This year in 1st grade we will be using an amazing type of instruction called Whole Brain Teaching. Through this instruction your child will have many opportunities to participate in class by discussing key topics and ideas with fellow students, while at the same time utilizing gestures that help students remember important information. Students will always be encouraged and never discouraged due to our unique "scoreboard" that celebrates positive behavior and encourages better behavior when we seem to be a bit off task. Additionally, your child might come home and say he/she earned a 10 Finger Woo for correct answers, and a "That's Cool" for incorrect responses. In a Whole Brain Teaching classroom we are always supportive ... and never tear down! In fact, our classroom will be so upbeat and full of task focused laughter that your child just might beg you to come to school. With your support, we'll provide your child with instructional methods that will work every part of his/her brain. And that's....student heaven! Oh yeah!

Hope this helps!

That is awesome! I never thought about sending home a letter for parents. I have conducted our "Parent Night" at the beginning of the year using WBT techniques at that was all they needed to get "hooked". All of the parents say, "So that is what my son has been talking about!" Great idea with the letter!

I'm wondering about explaining the behavior system to parents since there are all the different levels that can begin at any point during the year.

I'm looking for someone with experience to tell me how you have kept the parents updated.

My students and parents are used to the basic color system for reporting behavior. I'm thinking about sending home a brief explanation about the rules and scoreboard at the beginning of the year with a heads-up that there will be additional levels which I will notify them about when the time comes.

Thanks

Hi Guys,
We drafted a Parent Letter than you can send home at the beginning of the year. I've attached it here for now, but we'll also put it up on the goodies section soon.

Enjoy!

Here is the link to a really cool 7 page parent handout used by a lower elementary grades teachers:

http://forums.atozteacherstuff.com/showthread.php?t=109559

ColoradoGuy wrote:




I like the idea of using WBT techniques during parent night! Any suggestions???

Oooohhhh, I love that idea!