Sunday, November 20, 2011

WBT teaching with reflections on todays challenges

There are so many challenges for todays teachers, with respect to simply keeping the attention of our students.  Todays children are used to instant gratification.  So many, of my students, inform me that they are spending endless hours on the computer or their Xbox,DS, WII.  Social skills are at a decline.  This is why this constant engagement, with their peers, and practice of proper speaking skills is so important.  Traditional teaching is the last thing that a student needs to advance in the classroom. Modeling, modeling, modeling is crucial for our students.  I have seen so many students jump up and entire reading and math level because of the Super Speed Math, Reading, and oral writing!  I am so amazed by the growth, in many students, that have previously tested in the Far Below Basic bracket. I have never been so excited to get geared up for state testing.  I think that one thing I am really grateful for, is the fact that the day flies by, and instruction is so fun!  I have few discipline problems and a class of 30 students enjoying reading, writing, and math.  What more could I ask for?  


Heather Hansen
Wbt Intern
2011/12

Monday, November 7, 2011

WBT Incentives

We are really chugging away at the super improver wall!  My students are so excited to get to the picture level.  They are working so hard!  Every time that, my students, enter the classroom they walk to the wall and count their stars.  Also, I overhead my students encouraging one another to practice their super speed math and reading, when they finish their work early.  One thing that I really appreciate, in the classroom, is all of the support that my students offer one another.  They are like one big WBT family.  In the beginning of the school year, many students were very reluctant to work with one another.  Gestures and attention spans has definitely improved over the course of 14 weeks. Furthermore,  I was talking with another WBT colleague and we decided that the colored bracelets would be a a great incentive for the last level of the Super improver wall.  I am eager to get the bracelets ordered and show my students, they are going to go bananas over the last level!!  Things are going great!!

Heather Hansen
Wbt Intern
2011/12