HI, all! Up until this year, I was teaching 4th and 5th grade Special Ed and had recently learned about WBT. I left SPED and am now a 6th grade gen. ed. teacher. I feel like a brand new teacher! I teach all subjects and want to implement as many WBT items as I can. My class (12 kids <- awesomeness) has learned the 5 rules which they follow 95% of the time, class/yes, teach/ok, and mirror. I guess my real question is where do I start? Do any of you already have anything for 6th grade that I can look at as an example. I really just want to be the best 6th grade teacher I can be and I think WBT can help me to do that! Any and all advice would be appreciated!

Hi,
I am no expert but I do teach 6th grade and find the scoreboard works well and adds fun. I try hard to ping pong points - that is difficult for me but when I am successful with it I do think class is better for the kids. (and me.) It might be something to try. Hope this is helpful!
Joy

hhollister,
It sounds like you are off to a great start. Implementing and rehearsing the "Big Seven" is crucial to setting up for a successful year.
Sixth grade is the perfect grade to be using our new Writing strategies, "The Genius Ladder" and "Oral Writing". They are described in detail in the BT Model Classroom booklet, available as a free download. Also, Chris Rekstad is blogging about using these writing pieces in his fourth grade classroom. If you read his entries, I am certain you would pick up tips to adjust and use for 6th grade. Check it out!
Let us know how it goes!
Deb Weigel