A WBT classroom is a constantly rewarding, no failure environment.  Rewards without threats of failure are good for brains!

When Tina does something well, anything, answers a question, turns in great work, lines up with wonderful speed, say, “Give Tina a 10 finger woo!”  Students point their fingers at Tina and say, “Woo!”  When Marcus does something even grander, give him a 10 finger rolling woo.  Students wiggle 10 fingers at him and roll their hands at the same time, saying “woo!”  Other group recognitions of outstanding individual behavior can be invented.

When Timmy doesn’t know the answer to a question, or answers incorrectly, quickly say, “Tell Timmy ‘it’s cool!”  Your class says, “it’s cool!”  Tim isn’t embarrassed; you quickly supply the right answer.  Perhaps best of all, when you make a mistake, your class will give you a merry, and forgiving, “it’s cool!”

Sixteen Variations on the Scoreboard

The Scoreboard, described in the “First Steps” menu, is your initial and primary motivator.  For K-4th graders, use Smilies and Frownies as your categories; for older students we’ve found Teacher vs. Students works wonderfully well.

Because you'll be using the Scoreboard all year, here are a variety of Scoreboard strategies ... but don't employ them too often!  It's a long time until spring.