Using the WHOLE BRAIN!

I fist saw whole brain teaching through my practicum hours at King Elementary School in Deer River, Minnesota.  I would love to incorporate this teaching style into my classroom in the future.  This teaching style is a fun way for teachers to be involved with their students and keep their attention at all age levels.  The classroom is always fun and energetic.  The students are ready to learn and stay focused. 

  

Traditionally, education has been focused on right brain activity; the reasoning and rational part of the brain.  The left side of the brain is involved in creative activity.  It is being proven more and more that using both the right and left side of the brain leads to far more effective teaching.  Whole brain teaching! Using the WHOLE BRAIN!

I will discuss the Five Classroom Rules that are involved with the big seven elements.  These classroom rules involve using every part of the brain because they involve reasoning and rationalizing and also creative activity through gestures.

Rule #1:

Make your hand shoot forward

Rule #2:

Raise your hand and pull it down next to your head.  Then Make a talking motion with you hand. 

Rule #3:

 Raise your hand and pull it back down next to your head.  Then make a little walking figure with you index and middle fingers.  

Rule #4:

Tap one finger to your temple as you say each word.

Rule #5:

 Hold up your thumb and index finger on both the right and left hands to make two "Ls" framing your face.  Then bob your head back and forth with each word.  Remember to smile really big!  

Helpful Resources

Technology has opened doors for teachers to share ideas with others.  There is so much out there!  So many teachers do amazing things and they are willing to share.  Technology is an important part of our teaching and our students’ futures.  Using technology in your classroom can transform your teaching and also make learning fun and exciting for your students.  There are so many educational videos for your students to watch and interacting sites for your students to be involved with.   Here is a list of a few online recourses that I currently use as a student and will continue to use as a teacher.      

Pinterest
Pinterest is a very fun and exciting site for everyone. It is great for current and future teachers. Pinterest provides great educational activities, websites, and videos. It also provides great ways to decorate and organize classrooms. This site is very fun and addicting!

Ixl
Ixl is an interactive math website for elementary and middle school students. It provides question that follow the state standards. Teachers are also able to track student's progress over time. 

Teachers Pay Teachers
Teachers Pay Teachers is a great site where teachers can share, buy, and sell their creations.  The materials are created by teachers who are actually in the classroom, which ensures that the materials relevant.  This site also allows teachers to be a part of a larger community of educators outside of their school district. 

YouTube or TeacherTube
YouTube has matured into a great resource for teachers.  Teachers can find a vast amount of videos to show to their class or use as a tool for themselves.  Using videos in your classroom can keep your classroom engaging and new.   

Minnesota Department of Education
This is the Minnesota Department of Education site.  It offers information on Minnesota state standards, testing, curriculum, sample items for state testing, and much more.  Teachers should keep this site on hand for easy access to current state information and recourses. 

Fun Brain 
Fun Brain is a great site for teachers to use.  It provides free interactive educational games and online books for students in preschool through eighth grade.  These games and activates help develop strong math and reading skills.