I teach kindergarten and have been using WBT for about a month now, and I LOVE using it during whole group instruction. The kids get super excited about teaching each other, using big gestures, coming back quickly with "class class".. it's been a life saver. But I am still having some major management struggles during small group and independent work time. In these situations the whole class isn't forgetting the rule-- 2 or 3 students are, and they are throwing EVERYONE off. I know it is best not to punish the class with a frowny because of the actions of 1 or 2, but I really cannot let their behavior go ignored because it has been spiraling into the whole class thinking it's okay to do what they do. I have periods where I can't find ANY smiley-worthy behavior because of what these few problem students are creating in my classroom (hitting, standing up, talking constantly, not doing work, etc. etc.). I hate it but I've actually resorted to yelling at these students a few times-- at least with my old clip system I felt like I had something to do each time they misbehaved in this way instead of letting my frustration build up. I have not yet moved on to practice cards, is that a good next step? Please help!! I don't want to have to go back to the clips.

Hi magsmcd
OK, I know that old clip system, and the red, green and yellow cards and even more systems. But, please don't go backward to them . No offense meant to these systems but whole brain teaching works.
First, I would be sure to do a lot of practice sessions. These are times when you have the kids do it the wrong way. Then immediately after do it the correct way. Let them know the correct way earns the smilies.
You may want to start having the whole class repeat a rule aloud you say "class, tell me what is rule 2 because we have a friend who forgot".
The next step may be for you to start practice cards.
Let us all know how things go.

magsmcd,

Annette posted a few really good ideas. I would look into practice cards. It focuses on individual behaviors while still using the scoreboard for whole group instruction.

Let us know how it goes.

Tiffany
WBT Intern, 2011-2012

Yes, it sounds like it's time for you to move to level 2. The Scoreboard levels are designed like an RTI program. The 1st level is only supposed to get 80-90% of your class. Before you go back to any old system, look at the next level of the Scoreboard, and you'll probably find what you're looking for.

WBT Intern 2011-2012

Weird logistical question, but how do you display your practice cards in your room? The only thing I can think of is a clear shoe holder thing and I don't have that kind of room on my board or anywhere that would be easy for me to put a practice card right away. Also does anyone have issues with students taking practice cards out when the display is child height? Just wondering how yall WBT veterans do it!

I use a small pocket chart I got through reallygoodstuff.com. It's called the Classroom Management Pocket Chart for about $20. At the top, I don't use their index label, but insert the Practice Cards there. I put Student #'s on the other pockets and have a Happy Face card in each. I teach 2nd grade, so I don't have a problem with students handling it. I use the removable 3M Hooks so it can be hung where I need it without damage. Hope this helps.

Absolutely, the next step to move to will be the practice cards. These cards hold the individual student accountable for their behavior choices and not the entire classroom. When you have to use the practice cards for the individual students, make sure that you send home a note letting the parent know that their child had to practice rule 3 for X minutes today and could they have their child practice the rule at home as well for the amount of time the parent finds to be acceptable. Then the parent signs the letter and the student returns the letter to you the next day. This keeps the communication going between you and the parent. As you follow WBT strategies, I think you will find that you will never want to go back to your old method!

Keep going,

Laura Caisse
WBT Intern, 2011-2012

What an amazing group of interns we have answering questions here. Each answer is a great response and the only thing that I would add would be...dramatic pause...be consistent!

I have yet to move on to practice cards as well. My logistics issue is that I have 29 kids in homeroom and 35 kids (with only about 5 from my homeroom) in reading. Our reading block is 120 minutes and seem to be with these kids more often than I am with my home room!

What I have found to work out OKAY w/o the practice cards yet (they will come in due time...) is keeping those kids in for recess for 1 - 2 minutes and have them repeat the rule they broke for a minute, including the gestures, followed by a brief talk to make sure they understand why their choices were foolish.

Also, if I find myself frustrated with the whole class and just need a break, my old system was "HEADS DOWN" and wait for silence, then start my timer and deal with kids snickering, sneezing, coughing, tapping, etc. Now...., the whole class stands up, I set the timer for 1 minute, and the class as a whole repeats which ever rule I feel they have been breaking. This gives them the opportunity to get up and move a little bit, which they clearly need if they are having issues focusing and it gives me a breather.

Also, maybe try implementing more frequent rewards...kindergarten is so young and need immediate reinforcements...Maybe every 1.5 hours you evaluate the scoreboard. If the happy face wins then the class gets to sing a 30 second silly song or watch a youtube clip of babies laughing....something quick.

Hope that helps.

Magsmcd,
For Level 2 Practice cards, I use a pocket chart that is designed to be use as a calendar. It is just the right size. As far as students touching it and pulling cards out, that is a classroom management issue. You set the boundaries for hands off, just as you do for other things in the room.
Does that make sense?
Deb Weigel

Deb's advice is the backbone of WBT. If you read the original manual a cluttered, wishy-washy teacher is a playground for defiant students. Practice cards work like magic but you the teacher must be the magician.