I am looking into starting WBT and am learning more about it. I love the idea about all students being actively involved in their learning. My problem is this: I was transferred to a new school this year and 2 team members are not very supportive; one in particular is in the classroom next door to me (There is an adjoining inner classroom door between us). Last week, as we were doing choral reading of some contraction and long vowel mini-books, this teacher came into my room WHILE the class was reading and told us we were being too loud and to keep it down since they were taking a test. As you might understand, I was quite livid inside though I kept my cool and did make the kids take it to a whisper. So my question is this: if she is upset at that (these books take about 10 min. to do), how am I supposed to do whole-brain teaching all day as it is not a quiet style of teaching? Your input is greatly appreciated! Thanks

I have faced a similar problem. In my case, the teacher next door was willing to give me her weekly testing schedule, and our class works hard at "quiet riot" and keeping it down while our neighbors are taking their important tests. Another thing I have done is to put Mozart on, so the soothing sound masks any chatter from my kiddos. It does take some effort, but this has worked for me, and my neighbor seems to have genuinely mellowed! We will have to keep it quiet this week, as our third grade neighbors are taking our very important AIMS tests. My first graders are ready for the challenge, and my student leaders are all helping to remind the class of the importance of respecting our bigger friends. Hope this helps!

Deb Weigel
WBT Arizona

I have also face similar issues. Our school is set up in a pod style, so there are six classrooms in a pod area surrounding a common area. None of the classrooms have doors. To start off, I was really the only teacher in my pod doing a lot of WBT. There were some complaints about the noise level at first, but since then there are times when we are really quiet even though we are using WBT. The great thing about WBT is that you can really control the level of your class. You can have a super excited classroom, or a quiet, excited classroom. One of my favorite lessons was one when we were doing shared reading on the carpet, and I was practically whispering, so my kiddos did too. It was a blast and they loved it. Of course, there are times when you want to celebrate or do something loud and over the top. I agree with Deb about checking with your neighbors and working out a quiet riot time. Also, I presented to my entire building on WBT, and that got a lot more teachers on board. I haven't had near the problems with our voice levels since the presentation and some of them have been trying it in their classrooms. They see the benefits, so they are more supportive. It doesn't sound like you are going to get that right away, so I would try the quiet riot that Deb mentioned and try quieting your tone, because you will see that the students will follow.

Staci

I agree SGLASS, I am in an old building that has what they called "lofts" it seems simular to your pods. They are open, and the walls are bulliten type pressed boards, so they can be heard through. But I do try as Deb stated to use quiet when needed. I have my kids respond sometimes to an exciting event by raising their hands in the air and with wild wiggles, and mouths pretend screaming as if at a ballgame. We haven't named it "quiet riot" but I am sure we can.

I also think back to an excellent ESL teacher who said there is a difference in "active learning noise and distracted non productive noise". With WBT it is active and productive and in such short burst I am sure things can be worked through. Speaking of ESL, if those kids anren't making some noise they are not learning.