Tips to Tame 'Em Linky

Happy Wednesday!

I am linking up with Kelli over at Tales of a Teacher who started a new series called, "Tips to Tame 'em".

The linky covers tips and strategies teachers can implement in the classroom to create a positive learning environment for students.  I am loving this series.  The third week's topic is all about vocal protocols and attention signals.  Kelli has some great tips to offer...I especially love her fun and creative vocal protocols that incorporate rhythm. =]  Here's week 3's question:

I am here to talk about "silent signals" or what I like to call "Behavior Cue Cards".  These little gems are such a useful tool in my classroom because they allow me to grab my students' attention and communicate with them while causing minimal distractions to their learning.  Check it out:

I print, cut, and laminate these handy little cards...clip them on a book ring...and keep them in an easy-to-reach spot.  While students are working I circulate around the room observing the students working habits and behaviors (both correct and incorrect).  For example, Johnny is reading quietly at his desk...so, I slip him a cue card that says, "I love the way you are reading independently.  Keep up the good work!"  But on the other side of the room, I see Mary who is beginning to get frustrated with her reading.  So, I slip her a cue card that says, "take a break".  Here's what is terrific about these cards:

1. I am getting students' attention and communicating to them with minimal distractions to their learning process.
2. I am providing immediate feedback on a behavior that tells the student either, "Yes! Continue the behavior!" or "I recognize this is not going well, so here is an alternative behavior I would like you to try instead."
3. The cue cards are specific.  The cards are addressing behaviors, both correct and incorrect, explicitly.  By doing so, students know exactly what they should or should not be doing.

These cards are not only effective in the special education classroom, but the general education classroom as well!  Click on the image below to grab your copy of this resource which is free for the rest of this week!  The set comes complete with 16 example cards I use in my classroom and 4 "sentence starter" cards teachers can customize to fit the needs of their own classroom.

Interested in linking up?  Hop on over to Kelly's blog to find out the rules!  I can't wait to read some of the other ideas you all have as well. =]

Sweet Dreams,