Bet you can find a few tricks for your new school year on my blog today.
Hallway Hug (Jodi Spakes)
When children see friends in the hall teach them to do the hallway hug.
You (Hold up index finger.)
Me (Hold up middle finger.)
Hello (Cross middle and index finger and wiggle.)
Air Hug (Mary Katherine Ellis)
Open your arms as if giving a huge hug in the air.
*This is good for when students see a friend in the hall.
*This is also good when someone comes in or leaves the classroom and the kids want to jump up and give them a hug.
Problem Resolution (Carrie Thouvenot)
After students resolve a problem they can follow this routine:
1st - Fist bump
2nd - Hand shake
3rd - High five
4th - Hug
5th - Walk away happy!
Mirror Talk
If children talk ugly to a friend, then tell them to go talk like that in the mirror and see how it feels.
Class Callbacks (Sara Quinn)
Teacher says: Hands on top. (Students put their hands on their heads.)
Students say: That means stop!
Teacher says: Holy Moly!
Students say: Guacamole!
Teacher says: All set?
Students say: You bet!
*You can go on all day with callbacks. Marco - Polo; Peanut Butter - jelly; Criss cross – sit like a boss, etc.
Looking!
I am looking.
What do I see?
I see (student, class) sitting (standing, whatever you need)
Properly.
Hint! Lower your voice each time you say this until children are quiet.
Hallway Trick (Meghan Boyle)
Before going in the hallway say, “Hands on your hips. Smile on your lips.”
Hallway Tip (Stacey Keller)
“Zip” – pretend to zip your lips.
“Flip” – fold arms across your chest.
“We’re ready for the hallway trip.”
Self Control (Becky Gilsdorf)
Use this visual cue to help children who are out of control.
Cross hands over your chest. (Self)
Slide both hands down the sides of your body. (Control)
As the child repeats the movements silently it will calm them down.
You Know What to Do
Several years ago I heard an interview on NPR with the Teacher of the Year. She said, “When a child is misbehaving, I stand next to her and quietly say, ‘You know what to do.’” Physical proximity – just getting close – can be a powerful tool.
