Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Christmas break has arrived.....

Well, the countdown is over and Charistmas break has arrived! It is a very needed break for the students, as well as, the teachers! This week was a blur, as there were many special activities, a drama presentation, and assemblies. Add to the mix, my class and their WBT debut video. If you are interested, please visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psmsFOlrQp0

I am proud of my students and I believe they showcased the 5 step lesson format in an appropriate manner. The critical thinking piece comes in as the students keep a moon journal and create a moon phase brochure. I love the 5 step lesson format and if you want more information please visit http://www.wholebrainteaching.com/

Lastly, I am super excited for our professional development when we return from Christmas break! A WBT implementor will be presenting to my whole building! I know this Spring will bring lots of Mighty Oh Yeahs, as the teachers begin to use WBT in their classrooms!

Have a wonderful Christmas!

Laura Caisse
WBT Intern, 2011-2012

Thursday, December 15, 2011

COUNTDOWN!

It is December 15th , we have 3 more days until Christmas break....and the excitement is building! Many, many special activities on the way and the countdown has started! Tomorrow, my class will be taping their first YouTube video submission demonstrating their use of WBT for a Science lesson! The school year is now half over and we have been practicing and using WBT structures since day 1! My principal is still amazed as he visits our classroom and is able to see the student engagement in every lesson!

Next, we have had a lot of college students visiting in our buildings, as it is the end of the semester and they need to finish their observation hours. What a great way to share WBT strategies with the future generation of teachers! They not only are seeing WBT in action, but they also are going back to their professors and classmates to share about WBT.

Lastly, as we begin Christmas break, it is a time of reflection , looking ahead to the New Year, and the second semester of the school year. My school is very involved with data-driven instruction and setting SMART goals, so our students will be as prepared as they can be to perform successfully on the big standardized tests in the Spring. I know when we analyze our data at the beginning of next year from that test, our goals are going to be met, growth will be noted, and WBT strategies helped our students get there! My building is also on the countdown to the New Year, as our first of the year professional development will be a Whole Brain Teaching Workshop! Give me a Mighty OH YEAH!!!! Plus, the live WBT TV sessions begin as well! You can find WBT TV and many, many other resources at http://www.wholebrainteaching.com/

Enjoy the holidays with family and friends! Take time to sit back, relax, and re-engerize for the New Year!

Laura Caisse
WBT Intern, 2011-2012