So I teacher kinder in Hillsboro School District. Right now I teach full day but next year we are moving back to half day, except for our title I supplemental class, which I may end up teaching.

I began WBT a month or so again and it's been going great. I am a much happier teacher and find myself getting annoyed with other adults who are getting snippy with my kids!

I have a class of 27 - 3 of which have a communication disorder and share an assistant. Their names all begin with A so I call them the "A Team". They do not earn us negative points on our scoreboard, but they can double our points. For example, if the class (except for the A team) beats their record getting to their seats, they get a happy face. If the A-Team ALSO gets to their seats and beats the record w/ the rest of the class, THEY earn a point for the class. It's working well so far.

I do still find myself getting frustrated, especially at the end of the day, but I think that will change as I become more fluent w/ WBT methods.

I have not implemented practice cards yet - still trying to figure out how much prep that will take b/c they already have a card system that goes along w/ the school (green- good, blue-warning, yellow - 5 min recess time out, red - call home, referal). I do have the kids follow me around at their recess for 2 min reciting the rule they broke.

I also went on 3 months maternity leave and returned in Jan. The transition was not as smooth as I'd hoped b/c my sub was great academically speaking but didn't use much management with the kids. So I came back and seemed super strict (heaven forbid I make them clean their own mess or not talk in the hall!).

So happy to have found WBT. Jazzed to enjoy teaching again this year.

Hi, sounds like you are doing fantastic. Just remember (and I am not one of the experts new to WBT myself) do not move from one level to another too quick. Especially the little ones (I have k-1) they need time to internalize the score board and see how winning and loosing works.

Hold off on practice cards until they really make that socoreboard work for them. I'd also use the red, yellow green less and less until you don't need it. When you go to the practice cards it is very opposite of that system you'll just confuse them and then they don't know what you are rewarding. Confusion will breed more buttons for them to push, meaning YOU.

Have fun and keep asking great questions.
Annette

Hi Annette - Thanks for your response. I actually can't really go away from the card system as it's a whole school system. As often as we switch for reading and language the specialist teachers need to have a uniformed way in which to have kids end up with a reprecussion for misbehaving.

I am thinking I probably won't do practice cards until next year when I figure out how it will work with my school. We are also a PBIS school - positive behavior interventions and supports. We put a lot of emphasis on giving specific feedback to kids while they're doing the "right thing" which seems to align with WBT.

My kids lost the scoreboard for the first time last week. I'm hoping it shapes their behavior next week. I need to have a LOT of structure this week b/c we go on a fieldtrip on Friday and know it will be easy for kids to "lose it"....unless i don't give them that chance. My goal for this week is to focus on LEARNING and having FUN while they do it!

By the way, I'm a first time mom to a beautiful 6 month baby girl - so when my sentences don't make sense and I leave out words...you know why! =)

Megan,
Congratulations on jumping in to WBT and finding the FUN in teaching again!
Continue to ask questions and post successes...there are a lot of us who can share ideas and thereby strengthen one another.

WBT's 5 rules fit beautifully with PBIS, as we celebrate great behavior and active learning.

Remember, rehearsing procedures and holding high expectations pays off in the long run...with a well managed, happy classroom!

Kindergarten is such hard work, but it is also extremely rewarding. You are making a difference!

Deb Weigel
WBT Arizona

Hi Deb - I received your email - thanks so much! And yes, kindergarten IS hard work but it's great. I would enjoy other grades as well. If we were a full time kindergarten I would enjoy it more. Well, we are this year, but going back to part time next year. It's like giving a dog a bone and taking it a way - it's horrible having to go back to part time!
Thanks for all of the support!

Megan