Holidays with WBT

Many teachers would agree that the final two weeks of school, before holiday break, is bananas!!  We had semester report cards due, as well as, district benchmarks due.  Not to mention, all of the holiday crafts and parent gifts to make, and wrap up really festive!! My students are diligent with the gestures and eager to use them with new students.  My new student, who joined me on the 30th of November, almost has all the gestures mastered! I am very pleased with so many students accomplishments, within the classroom. Comparing my previous years teaching., I can see that I am getting through to many at-risk students.   I noticed that I have about 75% of my class doing all of the gestures. These students did a fantastic job on their benchmarks.  The other 25% of my classroom, that performed at a C level, or below, are the students that resist doing and saying the gestures, or are absent more than the average bear.  After I reviewed my students scores, I had them write me a letter, explaining what they could do to improve their grades in the classroom. EVERY single student that resists the gestures, said that they needed to use the gestures more, when I am teaching!  I am hopeful that when we return to school, that these individuals start making more use of their knowledge, using WBT methods!!


Heather Hansen
WBT Intern
2011/12

Keeping things Fresh

Well..its official!  This week back from Thanksgiving break, low energy, compared to the first 9 weeks of school.  I feel relieved that there are some variations for the scoreboard and I plan on implementing them, this week.  I received a new student this week, boy he was taken back, when the class started teaching one another all of the information.  He was really excited and already started working really hard to get a super improvers card.  I know that this is a very distracting part of the year, and I want it make sure that all WBT strategies remain exciting and fresh for my students. I can really see how refreshing this style of teaching was for the new boy.  I also, see that many of my other students are currently taking, such a fun way of learning, for granite.  At times, some students, will answer back using funny character voices, when I did not use a character voice myself.  This is where we stand at a crossroad.  I know that all of the new strategies that Coach Biff, created, will re-vamp the classroom environment.  I can't wait to blog after I use some of various strategies!!

Heather Hansen
Wbt Intern
2011/12