What are the Big Seven Techniques?

I just wanted to say. I have learned so much and grown so much as a Whole Brain teacher.  I will never forget the first time I came across the WBT website.  Although it looked intriguing, I had no idea what Whole Brain Teaching was.  1st Steps looked like a good place to start, so I clicked on that tab and started reading what sounded to me like a foreign language.  I wrote this blog in remembrance of that first trip to the WBT website.  I decided to share with you what I am referring to as a mini-dictionary, defining some of WBT's most common lingo.  You will often hear these terms referred to as "The Big 7" because they provide the foundation upon which Whole Brain Teaching is built.  If you are a newbie to Whole Brain Teaching I hope that you will find these definitions helpful to you.

The Big 7 of Whole Brain Teaching

1. The Attention Getter: Class-Yes

This is used to gain students' attention, the teacher says "Class!" or "Class, Class!" or "Classity, Class!"  with various tones of voice and students respond, "Yes!" or "Yes! Yes!" or "Yessity, Yes!" Once students have mastered the basic “Class/Yes”, they are taught its many variations.  

2. The Organizer:  The Five Classroom Rules:

All WBT classrooms have the same five rules

Rehearse class rules at least once a day with gestures until students have mastered this.

            Rule One:  Follow directions quickly!

            Rule Two:  Raise your hand for permission to speak.

            Rule Three:  Raise your hand for permission to leave your seat.

            Rule Four:  Make smart choices.

            Rule Five:  Keep your dear teacher happy!

The Diamond Rule:  Look at the one who is teaching.

These rules are not just posted on the wall and forgotten about.  They are practiced and referred to on a daily basis. The teachers say the rule number and students repeat the rule.  For example, the teacher says "Rule 1" and the class says, "Follow directions quickly!" and makes Rule 1 gesture.

3. The Whole Brain Activator: Teach/Okay:   

“Teach/Okay” is at the heart of all WBT lessons. The teacher speaks briefly, using gestures, usually no more than 30 seconds to 1 minute! Then clap your hands (one to five times) and say, “Teach!” Your students repeat your hand clap, and say “Okay!” Then they make a full body turn to their neighbor and, using gestures, teach their neighbor what you have just taught the class. While students are teaching each other, move around the class; check for comprehension. ! All students should be gesturing! Students listening, mirror the gestures of students speaking. This is often used in conjunction with “Mirrors” and “Switch”.

4. The Motivator: The Scoreboard:

It is a reward system that students buy into and participate in.  There are many levels and variations to the Scoreboard. There are ten levels for the students to work their way through. This will keep your students intensely involved, make a Smiley/Frowny diagram on the front board. (Use Teacher vs. Students in secondary school).  When students are on task, mark a Smiley point.  Then point at them; they clap their hands and exclaim, "Oh yeah!"

When students are off task, mark a Frowny point.  Then point at them and students lift their shoulders and groan, “Awww!”

Never let the difference between Smiley and Frowny points be greater than 3.  If you reward too many students will lose energy, the game becomes too easy.  If you punish too much, students become unhappy (making the game too hard).

5. The Focuser: Hands and Eyes:

 Whenever the teacher says, “Hands and Eyes!” the students respond “Hands and Eyes!”, fold their hands, and stare intently at the teacher.  “Hands and Eyes” is used whenever the teacher has a really big point to make.

6. The Class Unifier: Mirror:  Mirrors are key to involving the whole brain in learning. 

When you want your class deeply involved in your lesson, hold up your hands, ready to make gestures, and say “Mirror!” Your class says, “Mirror!,” picks up their hands and mirrors your gestures as you teach. Gestures are at the heart of WBT teaching.  

7. The Involver: Switch:  This is a strategy that students use during “Teach/Okay”.  It lets students know when it is their turn to share.  There are two types of switches.  The first is "High Five Switch".  This allows the students to take turns at their own pace. The first partner teaches with gestures and the second partner "mirror" the gestures. When one student is done sharing he/she simply high fives partner.  The other switch is "Uh Oh Switch".  This switch happens on a signal by the teacher.  She says, "Uh Oh Switch" and makes a motion as if pulling down a light switch.  The students repeat her words and motion and then make the switch. Then the second partner teaches and the first partner mirror their gestures.

Please note that the Big 7 is the heart of Whole Brain Teaching, but they are not all of Whole Brain Teaching.  They are intended to be a starting point.  Once mastered, teachers can dive into the world of WBT writing, the Super Improvers’ Wall, 3 star homework, Mind Soccer, The 5 step lesson plan, Super Speed Reading and Math, Prove It, The Crazy Professor Game… and the list goes on.

Remember, just like learning a foreign language, you cannot learn all of Whole Brain Teaching at once.  Don't get overwhelmed by the lingo.  Start with the Big 7, and then build upon that foundation as you are ready.  Before you know it, you will be fluent in Whole Brain Teaching.