I am setting up a WBT Model Classroom and hope to start my Genius Ladder and Prove-It tomorrow. Things are going well but I have one class that is difficult. They run very hot and cold as far as participating goes. I will read Industrial Strength this weekend. Any other suggestions? I think moving more quickly in class and using sockless hand puppets will help. (although I am doing teach-ok and using gestures, this class seems to have a lot of difficulty remembering basic gestures.) Again, all suggestions welcome please!
Thanks!
Joy Button

Hi. What grade? How well do the kids know each other? When did you start school?

My kids started on Tuesday and I teach 3rd. While I "expect" 100% participation I also expect that there will be shy, embarassed kids. I guarantee none of the videos you watch on Youtube are from the first week of school! I've been doing a LOT of community building and just getting to know you activities so the kids feel safe and comfortable to take risks in the class. I have most of my kids now actively participating. I still have ONE stinker that NEVER does gestures....I'm working on figuring him out.

Megan once he does any gesturing get him up on that super improvers wall! Boy, that thing does wonders for difficult personalities!

Heather Hansen
Wbt intern
2011/12

Should I make a big deal of it? He's one of those kids who likes to be contrary. For example, I went to a neighboring class for a moment and said, "nobody leave their seats" and came back and he had scooted his chair across the room to the water fountain. He looked at me, smiled, and said, "...what? I didn't LEAVE my seat." LOL I almost think if I made a big deal of it he'd never do it again...but I'm not sure.

Megan,

I'd make a big deal out of any correct behavior he shows. I have an ornery boy myself this year & found that when I make a big deal of his positive choices & have him demonstrate something for the class he's on my side for the remainder of the day.

I also agree with Heather regarding the Super Improver Wall...he was my first star on the Super Improver Wall because he FINALLY, on day 3, started using gestures.

I hope this helps.

Tiffany
WBT Intern, 2011-2012

Well difficult indeed! Yes, as Tiffany said, we want to look for any sign of behavior improving and make a deal over it! This student may increase ad you implement the super speed math and reading! Initially that is what we are checking for improvement on.. Coupled with behaviors improvement... At some point he should change towards a more positive, motivated student!

Heather Hansen
Wbt intern
2011/12

Hi Megan,
we actually started classes on Aug. 29. I am wondering if I need to do more 'getting to know you' activities, like you say you have been doing. I teach 6th graders and the class I am having the difficulty with is my class that is inclusion for Math and LA, but I don't have a second teacher because I teach social studies. So, the kids don't get the same level of support in my class as they do the others. Since the math teacher incorporates science into the math class, mine is actually the only core class in which they don't get the extra support. Do you think that affects things? Thanks again----all suggestions welcome!
Joy Button

Hi Guys, it is me again. Please jump in with your suggestions. I really am not sure what to do with my one class. Today they would not participate hardly at all...so when I'd say class, a few would say yes. When we did Teach-Ok, it was pitiful. I am going to read as much of industrial strength as I can tonight as I am upset and have to get something going. Is this the type of class you use Industrial Strength for? Please help.
Thanks,
Joy Button

Joy,

How has this class done over the course of the last week? I know when we talked via email the changes we talked about were helping. Is everything still going well?

Hi Jeff,
It seems a little better but I believe it won't be long before the kids want to go back to WBT. They are having to do more work for me to assess them and I think they are starting to see they are doing more than the other classes. Hopefully that will help. (at least t hat is what I am hoping?)
Thanks,
JOy