SIW is Up and Going!

I finally got my SIW going this week!

My kids won at the scoreboard, so I told them...this was the day. I waited until I caught one of my kiddos making an improvement and then I jumped up and down and yelled out, "It's time, it's time!" They were so excited. I explained what my super, exciting, bestest thing in the entire world was...and told them it was to keep track of their improvements. We did a teach session on what an improvement was. I heard some good answers, but one was superb...when we get better at something. That's it!

 

Then, I told the class I had just seen one of them getting better at something. I had them guess who...lots of names were flying around. Then I told them who it was and that he was actually using GESTURES when he was teaching with his partner. I made a big deal about it, because they KNOW how I expect them to use big gestures! I punched his star and he just BEAMED!

It was priceless.

 

Later in the day, we were at the carpet and I had them teach their neighbors something...another little boy that has struggled with talking at ALL during teach/ok was using gestures (small) and teaching. I called out, "CLASS!" and got their attention. I bragged on him and put up a star punch on his tent. He loved it.

 

The next day, during writing class while I was monitoring the room I noticed that a little girl that struggled with putting spaces between her words from the start of school had nice spacing. I've praised her several times during the last couple of weeks. I stopped the class and shared that I was giving out another star on our Improvers wall.

 

My kiddos are eating it up! I've got to start tracking the stars I give out and looking for more stars to give. I don't want to give stars for minimal improvements, but for big efforts! What I am looking for here at the beginning are for students that have struggled with teaching and gesturing and mirroring my gestures. I want to get them on board right away.

 

I'm loving this new addition to our management plan and my kids are too.

Getting Ready for My SIW!

This is the week! We are starting the Super Improvers' Wall one way or another. At the beginning of last week I started really talking about the super, awesome, bestest thing EVER that I had to tell them about. I had them BEGGING me to tell them.

 

Unfortunatley (*wink) I ran out of time the first day. Something came up the next also, then they lost at the scoreboard game the next. I said for losing the scoreboard game, they'd have to wait to hear about my SUPER, bestest, most amazing thing EVER! You should have heard the moans, the begging and pleading!

 

 

That happened again the next day. Oh, man--they want to know my secret SOOooo bad! I love it.

 

I had to have a sub today while I stayed home with my sick son.

So...tomorrow I plan on unveiling the mystery behind the SIW.

 

I didn't drag mine out like some...(such creative ideas!) but I still have them wanting it! I had an earlier post about the form I made to go along with tracking improvements and goals. I hope it helps me stay accountable and give those stars out!

 

I've decided on using a star punch to mark their tents each time I give them an improvement star.

 

Can't wait!

 

I've also been dreaming (literally) about my WBT Certification video! I am starting it for SURE this week. I have 2 photo release forms still out, but I'm getting started anyway. :)

 

Congratulations to the FIRST Certified WBT: Lindsey Roush!

10 finger Woooooooo!

 

See her video here on YouTube.

 

Wib On...

My Super Improvers' Wall is Up!

I am SO excited! I've got my Super Improvers' Wall up and ready to go for next school year.

I've been seeing some really cute themes applied to the walls and had a creative block for a while trying to come up with something to go with my camping theme. But, here it is...and I LOVE it!

As you can see, I will be using tents for my name cards. I spent over an hour punching out 24 tents in 10 colors~

but aren't they adorable?

As for my levels, I decided to go for a road trip kind of theme. Novice campers are not going to jump right in, they have to get their toes wet first! Sooooo...

1. White-picnic

2. Gray-campfire

3. Tan-Greenway hike (local park)

4. Yellow-backyard camping

5. Orange-Harrison Bay State Park (20 min. away)

6. Green-Cherokee National Forest

7. Lt. Blue-Great Smoky Mtns. National Park

8. Blue-Grand Canyon National Park

9. Red-Yosemite National Park

10. Black-Yellowstone National Park (the 1st National Park!)

I plan on creating a map with each destination on it. I'll even throw in some facts about each location. I'm getting excited about it!

Now, I've already had a forum post about the SIW...but for those of you that are NOT Wibbeteers, I'll give a brief explanation.

The Super Improvers' Wall is a motivating behavioral modification tool! It rewards students for making improvements in ANY area (yes, ANY!). If little Johnny finally gets his desk cleared off-give him a star. If Susie does not complain for a whole day-give her a star. Any improvements you see and want your kiddos to be proud about-give a star for it.

When a student gets 10 stars on their card, they get to move up to the next color level! (Hey, is that it? No stickers or treasure box???) Exactly!

I have never used the SIW, but have seen marvelous posts by other Whole Brain Teachers that say it is pure teacher HEAVEN!

Problem students magically become motivated to earn those stars and move up the levels!

My fear~

consistently giving out those stars! I have to really be on my toes.

Anyone else have a SIW and want to share?

Want to learn more about this amazing system?

Find out at the WBT site. It's FREE!