Whole Brain Teaching

With the approach of the holidays, especially the long break around Christmas, you will probably notice a slight change in the behavior of your students.

Actually, if they are anything like the middle schoolers I typically deal with they are getting a little nuttier every day. However, as your little darlings, or big ones, begin to lose focus to the visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads, you can still keep them on track with the help of Power Teaching.

They will begin to chafe at the bit more and more as they sense the approach of the coveted break. You can fall back on your tried and true procedures to help keep the kids focused.

Review the basics frequently. Re-examine the Big Six as a group. Talk to the kids about tightening up technique and focus. Examine what they are doing, and compare it to what they should be doing.

Offer reward only scoreboard games, you earn this or you don’t sort of thing. This is a good time to introduce some change in content (not context). Add a new one second party, and or a new Mighty Groan.

To make this work you should try and be a little more aware of the mood of your class as you are teaching and be proactive. Change activities frequently. Make sure all your activities are cut down to segments of 10 minutes or less in length.

Have a great day!

Power to the Teachers!