Day One
How to Start Whole Brain Teaching
To begin Whole Brain Teaching, start with the Magic Circle. Below is a sample script for several lessons that will help on your first day, first minute!
Lesson 1: Greeting
Teacher: Good morning, my friends! (both hands widely outstretched in a welcoming gesture) My name is Ms. Maestra and I’m very happy to be your 3rd grade teacher!. … (Pause) Please say, “Good morning Ms. Maestra.”
Students: Good morning Ms. Maestra*.
Teacher: One more time, please! Please say, (welcoming gesture) “Good morning, Ms. Maestra.”
Students: (many will mirror your gesture) Good morning, Ms. Maestra*.
*Teacher guides by whispering the students’ response.
Repeat as necessary. For engaging variety, change your tone of voice and students will automatically change theirs.
Lesson 2: Class Yes
Teacher: When I say “Class!,” You say, “Yes!” (Gesture: hands folded) “Class!’
Students: (hands folded) Yes!*
Teacher: One more time, please! When I say “Class!,” You say, “Yes!” (hands folded) “Class!’
Students: (hands folded) Yes!*
Rehearse
Teacher: (welcoming gesture) Good morning class!
Students; (welcoming gesture) Good morning Ms. Maesta.
Teacher: (hands folded) Class!
Students: (hands folded) Yes!
*Teacher guides by whispering the students’ response.
Lesson 3: Thank You / You're Welcome
Teacher: When I say “Thank you! You say, “You’re welcome! (Gesture: hands on heart) “Thank you!!’
Students: (hands on heart) You’re welcome!*
Teacher: One more time please! (hands on heart) Thank you!
Students: (hands on heart) You’re welcome*
Rehearse
Teacher: (welcoming gesture) Good morning class!
Students: (welcoming gesture) Good morning Ms. Maesta.
Teacher: (hands folded) Class!
Students:(hands folded) Yes!
Teacher: (hands on heart) Thank you, class!
Students: (hands on heart) You’re welcome, Ms. Maestra.
*Teacher guides by whispering the students’ response.
Lesson 4: Mirror Words
Teacher: When I say “Mirror Words!” You say, “Mirror Words” (Gesture: hands up, palms out) “Mirror Words!”’
Students: (hands up, palms out) Mirror Words!
Teacher: Once more, please! (hands up, palms out) “MIrror Words!”!
Students: (hands up, palms out) Mirror Words!
Teacher: Way to go! From now on, when Mirrors are on, you will repeat my words and my gestures. Let's try it!
Rehearse
Teacher: Today (pointing at watch)
Students: Today (pointing at watch)
Teacher: We’re going to learn so much! (Waggling hands)
Students: We’re going to learn so much! (Waggling hands)
Teacher: Mirrors Off! (hands out, palms down)
Students: Mirrors Off! (hands out, palms down)
*Teacher guides by whispering the students’ response.
Lesson 5: Teach OK
Teacher: After we've learned one new thing, you are going to teach it to your partner. When it's time, I'm going to clap my hands twice and say, "Teach!", and you clap twice and say, "OK!" Let's try it.
Teacher: (Claps twice) Teach!
Students: (Clasp twice) OK!
Teacher: Good! Now when you say OK, do a full turn to your partner. Let's try it.
Teacher: (Claps twice) Teach!
Students: (Claps twice) OK! (does full turn to partner)
*Rehearse this multiple times as necessary
Teacher: When you're turned to your partner, teach them, over and over, what I just taught you. Let's try it!
Lesson 6: Put It All Together
Teacher: (welcoming gesture) Good morning, class!
Students: (welcoming gesture) Good morning!
Teacher: (hands folded) Class!
Students: (hands folded) Yes!
Teacher: (hands on heart) Thank you!
Students: (hands on heart) You’re welcome!
Teacher: (hands up, palms out) Mirror words.
Students: (hands up, palms out) Mirror words
Teacher: Today (pointing at watch)
Students: Today (pointing at watch)
Teacher: We’re going to learn so much! (Waggling hands)
Students: We’re going to learn so much! (Waggling hands)
Teacher: (claps twice) Teach!
Students: (claps twice) OK! (Turns to partner, repeats/paraphrases lesson to partner over and over using gestures)
Teacher: (hands folded) Class!
Students: (hands folded) Yes!