Hope this is not a silly question. We have been counting to get things accomplished in a timely fashion and getting supplies or papers passed in or out has become amazingly quick. So now I am stuck on getting the kids into line. As we have "broken our record time", the result has been some kids running to the line. Now I know this is nether a smart choice nor does it make the dear teacher happy! My question is - How have others handled a situation like this? If they can make it into an orderly line safely in say 7 seconds, does the goal then become to stay at 7 seconds? Love to hear ideas from others!
http://katebowski.blogspot.com

What I do is focus on 1-3 things at a time. Once they get to the point that they can't beat that record anymore, we pick another to replace it. That way they're constantly improving. Every once in awhile check on one of the old practices, and if they've slowed down, rotate it back in.

Dave Sudia
WBT Intern
2011-2012

Hi Kate! If my class does not follow the procedure for lining up that we have practiced, then the Count stops! Students must return to their seats and practice begins again...Safety first! Because this usually delays getting to recess or lunch on time, they are often eager to get it done correctly! Obviously, no record was broken that time! Use that Scoreboard in tandem to bring motivation back in also...Ping Ponging is excellent for this! Dave's suggestions are excellent, but safety has to be Step 1.

Nancy Stoltenberg
WBT Intern 2011-2012
Blog: www.nstoltenbergwbt.blogspot.com

Nancy...I had to use this strategy today. There were many students that forgot the importance of following Rule #1, over their holiday break. There are many issues to address, while we revisit the basic 5 rules. One week off and they have gone bananas! I am dreading the three week holiday break!! I need to think of a way to incorporate the Super improver wall and our break...my wheels are spinning!!


Heather Hansen
Wbt intern
2011/12

Heather, I have a four week break coming I hope we can hear from others with some great advice!
Thanks for sharing this concern.
Annette

Kate,

When lining my students up, I don't count so that they are not "racing". Since I am learning support, I usually call them by classroom. They respond with "lines, lines, lines" while pushing in their chairs and walking. Sometimes I will call just girls/boys or by tables. This seems to work pretty well.

Heather and Annette,

I am jealous about your 3-4 week breaks. We get just over a week for Christmas. Of course, I guess I am finished earlier on June 1. Enjoy your breaks and I believe your students will fall back in place upon returning. That is the beauty of WBT. The structure makes returning easier!