I want to start the year with Whole Brain Teaching. The kids this year enjoyed the little bit that we did. As usual, the problems that I had with it resulted from my lack of preparation (lack of time to prepare). Color, Consistency, and Common Language - the 3 Cs of learning - are critical to success.
I need to print the directions for getting started and read them over and over. I need a game plan - literally. I especially want to use the Power Writing and the Power Vocab (I'll just adapt Power Spelling). I want to use the Power-Student-Olympics to help slow and ESL readers. The Power 100 and the Power 1000 will, I think, make a tremendous difference in their confidence and reading ability.
I want to set up the group work atmosphere right away with the tower building exercise.
Then we'll discuss the synergy that develops in groups.
We'll need to get this all set up in time to set and surpass goals at Camp Harrison.
1. Print directions
2. Print game rules
3. Print individual stars sheets for each kid on card stock
4. Print Power 100 and Power 1000 sight word lists
I'll begin with the Power 100. It's an easy list, but will allow students to set goals and reach them. Then, we'll move to Power Stems. I guess the rules will be similar to spelling - I'll need to check that out now.
