Whole Brain Teaching in Progress

I have made the plunge into Whole Brain Teaching.  Yesterday we learned the rules.

Rule #1:  Follow directions quickly.
Rule #2:  Raise your hand for permission to talk.
Rule #3:  Make smart choices.
Rule #4:  Stay in your bubble.
Rule #5:  Keep your dear classroom happy.

You may notice, "Raise your hand for permission to leave your seat."  I left this one out for two reasons.  One, we don't do a lot of seat work, and students are free to get drinks, bathroom, etc.  as long as it isn't excessive and not during teaching time.  Two, I wanted my class to have a bit of their own thinking to the rules.  Rule #4 was created by them.  It started out as "keep your hands and feet to yourself" but then changed while they were thinking about the bubble challenge.  I am impressed withe what they came up with.  Rule #5 is also a bit different.  It is supposed to be "keep your dear teacher happy".  This just bothered me, because I want everyone in the room to be happy...and the stuff in the room to be happy because it is treated well and put away.

Today, we made posters to put on our wall.  The urge to make them cute and matchy had to be suppressed.  I split the class into groups and let them make a poster to match each of our rules.
Rule #1:  Follow directions quickly.

Rule #2:  Raise your hand for permission to talk.

Rule #3:  Make smart choices.

Rule #4:  Stay in your bubble.

Rule #5:  Keep your dear classroom happy.

Looking good so far:-)  Maybe a few more details and colors tomorrow.

Happy Thursday,