My co-op and I have the talking problem when it comes to class discussions because the students just want to talk and not listen. I proposed an idea with my
co-op and we are going to try it for the first time on Friday -- the "talking" Angry Bird. The students LOVE Angry Birds (who am I kidding -- I'm addicted too!) so I bought a $5 small stuffed yellow Angry Bird. The idea is when there is a class discussion, students cannot talk unless they are holding the "talking" Angry Bird. Of course they will want to throw it at one another, so we'll obviously have to implement rules to go along with it, but I hope this will at least help with our problem! I will definitely let you all know how it goes because I'm very excited about this.Another thing I think we're going to put into place to help with behavior/class work is a points system. I don't remember who brought this up in Tim's class, but I thought it was a great idea! I found a post in the Scholastic Community that explains a point system that has worked, so hopefully it's not too late to implement something like that in the classroom.
If anybody has any other "fun" classroom management ideas, I would love to hear them!
With some ground rules, I think that the stuffed bird idea will work. My 8th graders love to touch things and get involved in class when the activity is hands-on. I think that this is a great way to get them actively participating even in just a class discussion. My 8th graders seem to be ok with raising their hands, but I know you've said that your 6th graders are crazy. This would work a lot better for you than me, and it's definitey worth trying. My class doesn't have a points system, but some of the other teachers use it. From what I've heard from them, it works really well. Let me know how it goes!
ReplyDeleteKortney,
ReplyDeletePlease please please let me know how it goes! We're having some issues too and we're running out of ideas. Let me know how it works out! Good luck! =)