Each day in our classroom we use components of the Whole Brain Teaching Model. To increase student engagement, and understanding, different kinesthetics are used for classroom management, and learning.
Our five classroom rules include specific gestures to help students connect more meaningfully with them, and to help them remember them.
1. Follow directions quickly
2. Raise your hand for permission to speak
3. Rise your hand for permission to leave your seat
4. Make smart choices
5. Respect others, respect yourself and respect our school.
Class...Yes is my way of getting their attention. I say "Class" and they say, "Yes". Then they must stop what they are doing and give me their full attention. I mix it up by varying my voice and/or motions and they must follow what I do. We will also learn other call and responses throughout the year.
Mirror has kids copying my gestures when I am speaking. I say "mirror", and they hold up their hands in front of them and copy my gestures. In the beginning, we mainly use this for directions but soon it is used to help students learn important educational concepts. They are often then asked to share my gestures and explanations with a partner.