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Friday, September 23, 2011

Blurting Brainstorm

Anyone else ready for bed at 9 PM? My class is seriously wearing me out!
This came up when I googled exhausted. LOL! Umm...I wish I looked that good when I WASN'T exhausted!

I mentioned before that I have many students that were from a kinder class that a rough year. Things are getting much better but there are still a few darlings having a hard time with calling out every thought in their head OR making weird sounds??

Ready for my magic solution?

I start the timer running. If someone calls out I stop it (it makes a nice beep) and say something like, "Oh, calling out stops our timer" and write the time the class earned on the board. Then I start it over again and they try to go longer without calling out to beat their time. Time earned gets them out early to the next recess or lunch.  After a little while, I didn't need to say anything about the calling out anymore I just stopped the timer and the beep was enough. The offender usually clamps their hands over their mouth!

Here is the super secret teacher trick: I never show them the actual timer because I LIE. Yes, think what you will but I lie to my children. There is no way I am letting them get out TOO early so I make up the times so they improve if they should but not by so much that they get out earlier than I am comfortable with.

Hope my occasional idea is helpful to someone else!

11 comments:

  1. That's a great idea! I have that same timer and I love it. And, yes, by 9:00 (sometimes 8:30!) I am so ready for bed! Thanks for the good laugh!

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  2. Ummmm.... it's 6:35pm on a Friday and I have my pj's on! I'm chalking it up to a rainy day and a LONG week. I like the timer idea. My class only got 5 minutes (instead of 20) one day because they were "playing during our learning time". After only 2 1/2 weeks, they fully understand that we have to get our work done and stay on track in order to have enough time to play outside. I share with them that "every minute is on purpose" in our day. Thanks for the post!

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  3. I love it! I do find the timer has a magical effect on the little ones... as if suddenly time matters! I'll have to try this one!

    Sally from ElementaryMatters

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  4. Haha! That's great! Any sound that is louder and more annoying than them as bound to do the trick ;) hhaha jk!

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  5. That's a GREAT idea. I like how positive it is, too. I'm going to have to try that. I have some extremely chatty 1s!

    ❀Barbara❀
    Grade ONEderful

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  6. I am glad that I am not the only one who feels they have a chatty class. I love the timer idea. I also feel that I need to go to bed early. I sometimes beat my kids.
    firstgradestamper@gmail.com

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  7. Love it! And I've been known to lie a time or two, as well. We have no choice, right? :) I'm totally stealing this idea. Thank you!
    A Teeny Tiny Teacher

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  8. Can't wait to try this! I have that class too.

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  9. What a simple idea :) Thanks for sharing!

    Jodi
    fun-in-first.blogspot.com

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  10. Thank you for this idea. I have a few individuals who just can't keep their thoughts to themselves without raising their hand and you hit the nail on the head with students who feel the need to make sound effects. I'll be using this on Monday.

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  11. If I say, "Put the breaks on your brain! Just because you think it doesn't necessarily mean you have to say it!" one more time, I may go mad! LOL The unfortunate thing, those that clamp their hands over their mouths really don't care that they caused the issue. ...in my class anyway! hahaha You stay up late IMHO! I am in bed 730 pm most nights ....hahahaha! I live for Nov. 1st when they have "got it"! Your blog is awesome.

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