Whole Brain Teaching Bliss!

I'M BACK!!!!!

Let me just start off by saying, I had a FANTASTIC time at the WBT Conference with my teammates. Not only did I learn a lot about WBT, but I was also able to bond with my teammates. It was so nice to be able to talk about EVERYTHING. My teammates are seriously the most sweetest and supportive girls I could ever work with. I adore them! :)

If you ever get the opportunity to attend the WBT Conference, I would definitely go. There are a lot of great classroom management and teaching strategies that can be used in the classroom. It can actually be a little overwhelming at first. Attending the conference, will actually allow you to determine what is going to work best in YOUR classroom. I found that some ideas presented were not going to work in my classroom, but would work in someone else's classroom. 


The way I see it, whole brain teaching is basically the use of gestures and words to teach concepts. It involves the whole body. It allows kids to be engaged in what they are learning. In terms of lesson design and delivery, it is about teaching in chunks. You teach a little piece of the concept and then allow the kids to teach it to their classmates. I think this is great for kids because it helps them remember. Kids aren't just listening to you lecture. You as the teacher are really involving them in their own learning.

Instead of making this an extremely long post and giving you every single little detail about the conference, I am just going to share with you what I am definitely going to be using in my classroom. This might be a series of posts so you will just have to keep checking back for a little bit more about whole brain teaching! :)

So, one component of WBT teaching that I absolutely LOVE is the "Class? Yes!" It is basically just a way to get your student's attention, but it is so powerful. When ever you need to get the attention of your class, whether its during independent time or during whole group time, you say, "Class!" and the students answer with "Yes?" The fun thing about it is how ever you say it, your kids  have to say it the same exact same way. Here are some examples:
Teacher: "Classity Class!"
Students: "Yessity, yes!"
Teacher: "Class, class, class!"
Students: "Yes, yes, yes!
The teacher can even do different voices. A high voice. A low voice. A slow voice. The possibilities are endless! All the kids have to do is mimic the teacher and make sure their eyes and body are focused on the teacher. Sound too easy? Oh, it is! I can't wait to use it with my first graders!!!

Tomorrow, I will fill you in on the WBT classroom rules and scoreboard. :)

I am really falling in love with blogging. I love talking with other teachers about what I am most passionate about. Look for some changes in my blog soon...

I am feeling super motivated. August 1st is the day when I can get back into my classroom. I am trying to do as much at home as I can. I have so much to do, but I am determined to get it done. I can't wait to show you pictures of my classroom!

This weekend is going to be great for working on "school stuff" because I am going be looking after two dogs this weekend. My own dog, Lexi, and her son, Louie.

Yup, he looks cute. He is pretty cute...but boy is he a handful! Looks like I'll be staying in all weekend, ha!

I hope you have a lovely day!