"Click!" Our document camera is so useful in taking a picture of our work, so we can pull it up and refer to it later. This led us to a new idea... First, we got out out air whiteboards. (My students have no clue what a blackboard is! LOL!) Next, we wrote our math problem on our air whiteboards. Then, we focused our "air cam" on the problem and said "click!" Finally, we pulled up our "mind picture" and wrote the problem and solution. What an easy way to reinforce focus on detail and recall! We decided to try "click" with our spelling words, and they were so involved!
Now, if I can just remember to "click" before I put my car keys down!!!
"Click!"
Deb Weigel
WBT Arizona

Deb, so cute. Click, I'll give it a try! Question...how did you use "click" with your spelling words? My students love using the brain toys.

Karen

Karen,
For spelling words-
First, look at the word and say the spelling as you write it on your air whiteboard.
Next, "Click" (The word is now in your brain cam)
Then, cover the word with one hand and "pull up the picture of the word in your brain cam"
Then, say-spell-say the word.
Then uncover the word to see if you were correct.
Last, cover it up again and write the word.

It seems like a lot of steps, but it goes rather quickly. You are involving visual, auditory, and kinesthetic at the same time, so the brain is highly engaged, resulting in memory!

We also "spellercize" our spelling words- (this comes from my Kinder days)
Stand up.
Say the word.
Reach high in the sky for tall letters.
Hands on waist for middle letters.
Bend down and touch the floor for letters with a tail.
Say the word again as you clap. (Closure)
This is all done together, while chanting the letters and stretching.
It is fantastic fun!

Good luck with those spelling words!
Deb Weigel
WBT Arizona

This basic method is also time tested as a great memory tool. - helpful for teachers and administrators.

At least 15 years ago business guru Brian Tracy wrote about the process of taking a "mental picture" to remember items.

And Deb; his example? Where you leave your car keys.... drop them on the table, take a quick second to "mentally photograph" them sitting on the table and go about your day. The "photo" will be there when you are ready to get then.

It is not as sophisticated as a web cam and air white board, but then it was a long time ago.

I still use it when doing something that is out of my regular routine that I will probably forget - like setting something down in a cafe or someone else' office.

To add to the air camera suggestion-After they write the spelling word (or anything they need to remember) on the air blackboard have them erase it and write it backwards. That ensures that they are really visualizing the word and also increases working memory as well as challenging fun learning!

Deb,
This sounds just like what I used (a gizzillion years ago) when in special ed. We called it copy, cover, compare. The letters we said and touched head line, belt line, foot line. I even copied a little stick figure on their papers until they had the idea. Oh, a stick guy had to reach the below the line letters to tie his shoe.

Can I use you ideas too? Oh, since you are in Yuma AZ, do you know a Mike Hoffman? He was a great help during my days at Univ.of Phoenix.

Thanks, any summer plans want to come to San Diego? We have two weeks left you could do a visiting teaching day (just kidding).

Annette

I am so excited to add the document camera to the brain toy box. All these brain toys will keep my students active, engaged, and learning all day long. I also love the "spellercize" activity as well. Anytime you can add movement to your day, the better the day will be! Thank you for all the great ideas!

Laura Caisse
WBT Intern, 2011-2012

My school is big on say-spell-say the "boring" way (clap-snap), but my kids love to stomp-spell-jump their spelling words. They beg for it! I can't wait to try spellercizing next year!!!

This would be awesome to use with multiplication facts! Wait til my kids hear we have a new brain toy!

Thanks Deb,

Kate Bowski
WBT Intern 2012-2013

www.katebowski.blogspot.com

I think CLICK and spellercize would REALLY work with homophones and homographs! My students have really struggled with our/are and of course there/their/they're, where/wear... you all know the words.

Do all of you do the traditional paper/pencil test on Fridays? I am trying to revamp my spelling next year and could use all the input possible! My initial question is here... wholebrainteaching.com/Elementary-School...-Spelling.html#10201