I would like to introduce myself, I'm Erica Briley and I am new to WBT but can't wait to begin school next year!! I have been watching many youtube and other videos on WBT and I have found so many great, cute song ideas to implement in mini lessons. I teach at a rural elementary school in South Louisiana. We have small classes and pretty high test scores! It's heaven at this school and I will have an upcoming class that I can challenge!! I am in the process of reading the model classroom ebook! I can't wait to hear any suggestions and ideas that all may have!! I can't wait to start Whole Brain Teaching!!!!!

Welcome Erica...you will not regret the switch to WBT. It will change the way that you teach. As you may have already found out, this forum is the place to come whenever you have challenges or questions about WBT. Teachers from all over the world are reading this and helping each other.

Enjoy the summer getting ready for the beginning of the ride of your life!

Power to the Teacher!
Chris

Welcome Erica... we are so glad to have you on board with WBT. You will find that it is everything you expect it will be and more. We are looking forward to hearing how it all goes for you. Keep us posted.

Susan Floyd
WBT Intern, 2011-2012

Hi Erica,

Welcome to WBT! It always makes me really happy to read how excited teachers are to start WBT in their classrooms. I can honestly say that WBT has changed my teaching career, for the better!
I was really nervous when I started because it took me out of my comfort zone a bit, however, when I started implementing WBT & trying different variations of "Class-Yes" and "Teach-Okay" the kids were behind it 110% and my teaching got better. I also had increased engagement & retention of the curriculum.

I'm not sure what grade(s) you'll be teaching, but from my experience, I'd suggest trying different things with your kids and don't be afraid to be a little silly. Also, practice, practice, practice until they've got the rules and procedures down and then don’t be afraid to practice again if they seem to “forget”.

The other thing that really helped me implement WBT was to read the e-books. I saw that you are reading the Model Classroom e-book which is AWESOME. As I was trying new things with my kiddos I'd re-read certain sections of the e-books for more guidance and/or clarification. It really made a difference. (The You-tube videos are GREAT helpers, too!)


Enjoy your summer & I look forward to hearing how your WBT year is going!

Tiffany
WBT Intern, 2011-2012

Hey Erica,

I’m in north Louisiana! Welcome and I hope you have a great year using WBT.
Did you have a chance to go to the conference in Pineville? If not, think about going to one this coming year. There were just so many small things presented that aren’t in the videos.
Again, hope your upcoming year is awesome. Check out my blog for beginning of the year prep that will be coming soon.

Roxi
WBT Intern 2011-2012

wholebrainwithroxishayne.blogspot.com/

Hi Roxi,
I did attend the conference last week! It was great! Your blog is great! I'm now following you!
Thanks
Erica

Roxi-my blog is
www.erica-elementaryexcitement.blogspot.com
I tried leaving you a comment, but my blog has never worked properly and doesn't allow me to leave comments..they sort of disappear..Come follow me on my blog!! Your video is great! I love the Harry Wong message..he's coming to Lafayette Cajundome July 7th!! Is that the video you sent in for Interning. I will start WBT in my classroom this year and send a video and essay at the end of next year! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I'm following you now too!
I just responded to the email for Intern Apps. They didn't require a video but I was doing one for my school anyways so I sent it in. I did see on here that you can send your blog info to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and they will feature you on the website(don't know if you've done that?)I do know that Chris Biffle will be watching what you post and that is one way for them to consider you.

So... just let them know what you are already doing and look out for a new intern time!

Good luck. Your blog is great.

Roxi
WBT Intern 2011-2012

Roxi,

Great video on your blog. I would like to download a copy for training high school and middle school teachers new to WBT but could not find it on You Tube and don't know how to get it from your blog of even if that is possible (I'm a bit technically challenged).

I tried to leave a comment on your blog, but it required me to log on -went to Google but it came up in Vietnamese (because I live in Vietnam). Since I could not read it, or change it to English I had to abandon the try and return here.

Bottom line, great blog, great video.

Jason

Hi Erica!

Welcome to WBT! I have to agree with Tiffany on everything she said! Whole Brain Teaching will change the way you teach and the way your students respond and retain. I'm super excited about your willingness to jump in and try it out in your classroom! I know you will love WBT, and your students will too. Make sure that you keep posting on the forum and if you ever have any questions about WBT, post those too. You will definitely get the answers you need! I need to get on and check out your blog and Roxi's too! Can't wait to read them both!

Thanks,
Staci Glass
WBT Intern, 2011-2012

Where do you find the Language Arts & Math Power Pix?

I hope you enjoy the powerpix- I surely do! Got to free ebooks and download it from there. Good Luck!

BailyCa,
You can find the LA and Math Power Pix under the free ebooks section. Open it up, and then select the grade level of Power Pix you want to download.
Deb Weigel