WHOLE BRAIN TEACHING

The brain is so fascinating to me, and I’m always anxious to learn everything I can about it!  Krista Weber recently sent me some interesting information by Chris Biffle:

WholeBrainTeaching.com

I think Chris and I could be good friends because we’re certainly on the same page when it comes to engaging children in a meaningful.  I hope to attend one of his workshops and learn more!

WBT’s Big Seven:

1.     The Attention Getter: Class-Yes! 

         Teacher says, “Class!” and children respond, “Yes!”

2.    The Organizer:  Rehearse Classroom rules with gestures.

3.    The Whole Brain Activator:  Teach/Okay 

     Teach briefly and then clap your hands and say, 

     “Teach!”  Students turn to a neighbor and using

     gestures reteach the information.

4.    The Motivator:  The Scoreboard

      Use a Smiley/Frowny diagram on the board to keep

      students engaged.  When students are off task put a

      point under the frowny.  When they are participating

      put a point under the smiley.

5.    The Class Unifier:  Mirror

     Teacher holds up hands and says, “Mirror!” as she

      makes gestures.  Students say, “Mirror!” and mimic

      gestures.

6.    The Focuser:  Hands and Eyes

     When the teacher has something important to say she

     says, “Hands and eyes!”  Students fold their hands

     and stare intensely at the teacher.

7.    The Involver:  Switch

     Count class off in ls and 2s.  After Teach-Okay, the

     1s teach with gestures and the 2s mirror the

     gestures.  After “Switch!” is called students change

     roles.

I think it’s interesting to reflect on the biological aspects of the brain from Zull’s research with the practical applications from Biffle.  Have I bored you with all this brain research?  Well, come back tomorrow and I’ll “switch” to more fun ideas for your classroom!