In my last post, I noted that many of my students this year are "orange" personality types and kinesthetic learners. Since my classes are already larger than normal and I now know I've got some big personalities, I recognized the need to get a good "attention getting" method into place. I don't have the loudest voice, so calling for their attention isn't quite immediate and I hate using bells! Kagan recommends a two-part chant and lots of teachers have success with a clapping pattern. I have always felt awkward trying to use something like this in 8th grade, but I'm going to get over it!
I've heard the chants like, "One, two, three, eyes on me" but they seemed too elementary. The best one just popped into my head yesterday! I'll use that famous military cadence, that goes, "I don't know but I've been told..." I'll chant, "3 point 1 4 1 5 9" and the kids will continue in the same cadence, "2 6 5 3 5 8 9."
Not only will I get their attention, but they'll memorize 13 digits of pi in the mean time! My neighbor in the adjoining classroom said it sounded good through the wall- she thought I was doing a song!
You are BRILLIANT!
ReplyDeleteAww, shucks! The kids LOVE it! Many of them already have their part memorized after two days!
DeleteThis is AMAZING.
ReplyDeleteAnisa @ Creative Undertakings
That is a very clever idea! I may be borrowing it from you, so thank you very much!!
ReplyDeleteHi Kathryn! I have been doing the "Class, Yes" call and response this year and the kids like it. After reading your blog I introduced this as a variation and they LOVE it!!!!! Thanks for sharing!
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