Okay...I have gotten things way out of order and need some help figuring out how to fix it. Currently I am implementing the scoreboard (rewards alternate between candy, free seating, and free time at the end of the class on Fridays as of now. I plan to implement more rewards as time goes on.), Class-Yes, Teach-Okay, Gestures (I actually use sign language for this), and Independents (I realize now that I started this too soon). After posting a question on Facebook I was told to read Industrial Strength (I had already read the Teens book, but did not realize I would have the need for the Industrial Strength when I started this). So, here is my question - how do I go back and start student leaders when I have already started the other techniques? Also, should I focus on student leaders next or going back and getting some of the basics like the Mighty Oh Yeah and Mighty Groan? I just need a little guidance at this point. I am using WBT for my action research in graduate school so I really need to make sure I get back on the right track not only for the sake of my classroom, but also for the sake of my research. Any suggestions are appreciated! Thanks!

Hi Anash,
I suggest that you try to go back to scoreboard, whole group. Try to keep the class united if possible. Use the super improvers wall as much as you can. Also, in lieu of candy, play mind soccer on Fridays. There are wonderful examples on youtube. It is best to stick with the basics for as long as possible. It's a long year so you want to draw out the basics for a few months. Remember work the scoreboard and Mind soccer!!.

Heather Hansen
Wbt intern
2011/12

I agree with Heather, you need to get the basics down. These are key for WBT to work. The scoreboard is your motivator, so use it for things that really matter to them. Biffle said at a conference that students will work really hard to eliminate a small amount of work. Therefore, I use HW or no HW as my reward. There are several ways to use it.

Also, mighty groan and one second party are key to engaging students in the emotion that goes along with receiving a positive or negative point.

No need to announce that you are starting over in some areas, just own it and move back a couple of steps. Remember, it is a long year. ( I also introduce a new brain toy each month for instructional use).

Hope you are receiving some help Anash.

Roxi,
WBT Intern, 2011/12
wholebrainwithroxishayne.blogspot.com

If your students are the sort who respond to immdiate rewards well, then you can also try Instant Games with the Scireboard instead of just waiting to do a game on Friday. If the kids earn their way to two points ahead of you, and you can make it as hard to do that as you need to, then they can stop class for five minutes, and I mean five minutes only, and play a game of Mind Soccer. Take the questions from material they need to review, or use it to intiduce material you were about to introduce through notes.

The kids love the feeling of being able to take control of the class for five minutes, and they are usually pretty jazzed about the game and easy to refocus on that same subject or theme that you concentrating on during the game.

Thanks so much for all the suggestions! I feel much better about things and am going in this week to review the rules and in doing so am going to add in some of the basics that I left out (this week I'm focusing on Mighty Oh Yeah/Groan and Hands and Eyes) I am determined to make this work because I truly believe that it is what is best for my kids.
I do have a question, though, what are brain toys? Roxi said she introduces a new one each month. Also, I'm pretty sure at one time I had found somewhere in all the free materials other "mind" games, such as basketball that could be substituted for mind soccer, did I just imagine that? If not, where are those resources because I cannot find them again? Thanks again for all the help!

I have an explanation of brain toys on this post in my blog. Just follow the link. You will love them!!!
wholebrainwithroxishayne.blogspot.com/20.../wbt-brain-toys.html

Glad to hear that you found some help.


Roxi,
WBT Intern, 2011/12