Hi,
I am doing a paper on Whole Brain Teaching after having had a training in the district I sub in. It was so much fun, and so successful with students, I just want to inform all the people I know about it. I am taking a "Children Around the World" course, and I am supposed to talk about how Whole Brain Teaching is good for different children from different cultures, socio economic statuses, etc.

I was wondering if anyone reading this, who does this in their country, could tell me if, when you decided to use Whole Brain Teaching, what specifically made you choose it over other approaches, like Reggio Emilio for example.

Also, what is the socio economic status of the area you are in? Languages? Traditions in teaching subject matter and morals, etc?

Is there anything culturally specific that makes Whole Brain Teaching more feasible?

How is it working for you if you are using it? What are the positives and negatives, especially in a cultural context?

Any information you can give me would be appreciated. My professor was so vague, I'm not really sure what other questions to ask, so hopefully I can compile enough for my paper. Also, if Chris reads this, if you have any information about using Whole Brain Teaching in different countries, I would SO appreciate hearing it. Thank you!

I came upon Whole Brain Teaching purely by chance. I was on youtube and I was looking for something fresh for my classroom - I remembered hearing about brain gym and so I searched "brain gym" or something along those lines and Andrea Schindler's video came up. I like how structured the technique was and I liked the fact that it gave kids the power to teach themselves - plus they got to talk a lot!!!

The more I read about it from the website, the better I liked how classes were managed - no scolding - just rehearsing. The scoreboard levels were helpful too - if some things weren't working there was always a plan b. I liked that kids were motivated intrinsically rather than extrinsically. Also, I liked how learning based WBT is and how it utilizes all learning styles. Plus, it gave practical ways to encourage critical thinking.

I teach in a small Catholic school where some kids come from affluent families and others don't. Most children's first language is English. Teaching styles at our school are hands-on and child-centred. Parents of my students would sometimes comment that their child didn't feel challenged in class - this was mostly due to the range of learners coming into Grade 1 - some can read already and some still don't know their letters - this has always been challenging to me and I felt WBT addressed this problem

Whole Brain Teaching is cheap, interactive, fun, and engages all learners no matter what level they are at. For my Canadian students it allows them to be vocal, which they are used to, as well as maintains order and sets firm boundaries. Also, it encourages them to think critically, thereby enriching their learning experience.

WBT is working wonders for me in my class. I am more relaxed this year than I have ever been in my 6 years of teaching. I have lots of fun. I smile more and the kids smile more. I love teacher heaven - when the kids apply concepts they have learned through WBT to different subject areas. All the kids are learning more!

Positives

Kids teach each other
Kids have fun - desirable in Canadian culture
High energy is perfect for high energy Canadian kids
Easy/regular assessment
Student leadership - Canadian kids love to be in charge
Economic
Helps ESL learners
A great support team through this website

Negatives

I only see positives using WBT - it keeps getting better and better!!

I hope this is helpful!

L. Nutini

WBT Intern