The class-yes strategy works better than anything else I've used to quiet my class and get their attention. However, there are times when the majority of students completely ignore me. I try different voices, etc., but I've got a real hard-core group of 3rd graders this year. Any suggestions?

Yup! That happens to me sometimes too. What I do is combining Class-Yes with the scoreboard.
If I have to say Class three times until everyone answers yes, I remind them about rule number one and give them a frowny face.
It's normal if they don't answer to you the first time you say class if they are very engaged in the activity. It can also happen a second time, but if you have to say class three different times... they earned the frowny face.

This technique works for me. Were you looking for something like this? What do you think about it? Any other possibilities?

Best,

Edward

Edward is correct...if they don't respond they are going to get the frowny face because they are breaking Rule 1, 4, & 5!

Kids sometimes think that they can manipulate the system and they need to know that we are in charge. Once you have dinged them on the sad face, then one or two minutes later reward them on the happy face for something that they are doing correctly. That way you are continually rewarding along with the punishment. We call this "bouncing them back and forth."

Thanks so much for the scoreboard suggestion. I'll try it Monday for sure!!

Keep in mind, too, if you have a real hard-core group, that the scoreboard needs to seem like a game to them, not a war. when you ding them, try to do it with humor and move on, don't dwell or lecture. Simply mark it, thank them for scoring you a point because you looovvvvvvve to win, and move right along, bouncing them back and forth and Rekstad mentioned.
Sometimes it just takes some tweaking and reflecting. I haven't found a group yet that I don't eventually figure out a way to make it tame them!

I have been using wbt for about a year and a half in my first grade classroom. After attending the Hemet conference, I realized that I was not using the scoreboard effeciently with the class-yes and the rules. I introduced "the advanced system" that Monday and have concentrated on weaving the class rules throughout the day especially after recess and lunch recess. I really emphasize the scoreboard. The reward that gets them is going out to recess 3 minutes early and I stay out with them for those 3 minutes. THEY LOVE IT! Also, the reward for having more smileys than saddy's at the end of the day is playing around the world for five minutes! THEY LOVE IT! Another way I get their attention is hands and eyes. They know that once I say hands and eyes, they must give their full attention to me. The hands and eyes procedure is practiced with the scoreboard and I get really enthusiastic when they do it correctly. They love the praise. The more I praise the faster they pay attention. It is great how all the threads of wbt fit together. Also, after the Hemet conference, I asked my principal if I could use the practice cards instead of our school wide discipline system with the pulling cards for time outs and recess detention. He said yes and I have had wonderful response and change in attitude from the students. Also, the parents are aware now of what specific rule they broke. I love it! It really has change my classroom for the better. I am so excited for the Yuma conference.

I was at the Hemet conference, too, and realized that I haven't been using the scoreboard very effectively. I had it at the side of the room. I brought it right up front and I have been better about remembering to use it. I agree that it works wonderfully.

I like the idea that 3 class-yes's is breaking rule #1 and is a frowny. I don't mind doing it twice, but it's true when I have to do three they just aren't trying. I'll start that. Thanks for the idea!

OP: the scoreboard might be just the thing.

Thainsworth-- how has it been working for you? Have you tried the suggestion about 3 Class-Yes = point for you?
Let us know how it's working, and if you need any more help or 'tweaks'.

Everyone has been wonderful in their responses to my Class-Yes problem! I'm trying to be more consistent in using the scoreboard with the Class-Yes, and it's getting better. The majority of kids want to avoid the frowny faces (and are verbal in their disapproval of those who don't seem to care). I'm convinced that Whole Brain Teaching is THE answer to classroom management. Can't wait for the next SoCal seminar (3/27) and the training in Fontana. Keep up the good work!!

I printed, lamanated, and put magnets on my scoreboard.I do the extracredit/Dextracredit. It is right in the middle of the board. Then I don't forget to use it. I don't know if this is okay or not but I teach 5th grade so we don't get recess, so for every dextracredit the students get, it takes away an extracredit. I total the points at the end of the day. I add the points to the previous day and we work towards a goal. Once we make out goal the kids are allowed to go outside for 15 minutes. Sometimes I do a "double time" meaning if when I give them an extracredit or dextracredit and they are loud and they all do the gesture they can earn another extra credit back. It makes it fun.

I'm just clarifying what you are saying about setting a goal. Goal's are good and we want to teach kids how to set and attain goals, but we also need to give them some instant feedback as quick as possible.

So...keep track of those points for the end of the weeks special game, but make sure they are also getting the reward, or punishment, at the end of the day. Otherwise they won't feel the need to work hard all of the time; thet'll just work on hard on Thursday to try and get that reward for Friday.

What I'm tyring to say is, we need long and short term rewards. Maybe you are doing this, but I just wanted to clarify your comment. Keep thme coming, it's how we all help each other.

Power to the Teacher!
Chris

Thank you for replying. Yes we do short term and long term. The long term is the outdoor break. The short term is they earn money for spend @ our class store or on special treats I bring in. We have an ipod theme in the room. So they earn ibucks to spend in the istore. The keep their money in a nano book on their desk and then @ end of the day they put their money in their ibook in their binder. The kids love it and it works on money skills. We always make sure we update and have good things in the store. I also bring in treats like cookies for $3 and they get to write their name in frosting for an extra $2. Things like that. I hope this is something that works for a short term/long term. If you have any suggestions I am always open. Thank you
Natasha Deet