THURSDAY THEME: When Shhhhhhhhhhh Doesn't Work

Shhhhhh! "ATTENTION GETTERS"

Is, “Shhhhhh!” not working? Well, here are a few tricks NEW TRICKS by Dr. Jean, for you to try!

Student Heroes

 

5-4-3-2-1-zero (Hold up hand and put down one finger at a time.)

I’m looking for my  student heroes.  (Make circles with index fingers and thumbs and

place around eyes like glasses.)

*Call the names of children who are sitting quietly.

 

 Special Signals

           Blow bubbles. Challenge children to look at you and be quiet before all the bubbles pop.

    T     Turn on a music box. When children hear the music they should freeze.

           Turn off the lights, play a xylophone or chime, or make some other unique noise.

Simon Says

 

Begin a game of Simon Says:

Simon says clap three times.

Simon says put your hands in the air.

Simon says touch your ears.

Simon says blink your eyes, etc.

As children join in the game lower your voice as you say:

Simon says put your hands in your lap and

listen to me…line up at the door…get out your

math books, etc.

Look at ____!

 

If you can find one child in your room exhibiting the behavior you are looking for then you can say, “If you don’t know what to do, look at child’s name.”

Magic Clap

 

Explain to the children that you have a magic signal that only your class will know about. Every time you clap your hands, you want them to repeat the clap and look at you. Practice clapping various patterns until all the children have joined in..

If You Can Hear My Voice

 

In a normal voice say:
If you can hear my voice, clap your hands one time.

In a softer voice say:

If you can hear my voice, clap your hands two times.

In a whisper voice say:

If you can hear my voice, please look at me.

Continue lowering your voice until children are focused on you.

Criss Cross

Criss cross, (Sit on floor and cross legs.)

Be your own boss. (Fold your arms and nod head.)

Sitting Chant

1, 2, 3, 4 - glue your bottoms to the floor.

5, 6, 7, 8 - hands to yourself and sit up straight.

My Elementary Library Routines, Policies and Procedures

Home  - This post refects the routines that I use on a daily basis.  To check out other librarians ideas and routines, double click on the blue titles.

Routines

Attention Signals - I use a set of chimes when the kids are getting to loud and ask them to freeze when they hear it.  It immediately quiets the room and then I can quietly tell them what I need to say.
Bathroom Procedure - I have a sign out sheet and a boy/girl pass.  I usually let only 1 student leave at a time.  They put up 1 finger to indicate they need to go and if it is okay, I point 1 finger back at them.  That way, if I am reading a story, they don't have to interrupt me.
Book Care - In the lower grades we discuss books that are damaged and I show them lots of examples.  Then I bring a "First Aid Book Kit" and put lots of things in it and take them out, (one at a time) and we discuss them.  Here is my list.
1. Book tape:  for ripped books and only I repair books.
2. Gum:  It's best not to chew gum while reading but if you do, remember to put it in the wast basket.
3.  Food:  I bring a jelly sandwhich and let some drip on the book for dramatic effect.
4.  Rubber Ducky:  NO reading while in the tub.
5.  Soap:  Wash hands before reading.
6  Baby rattle:  Don't let your little sis or bro get ahold of your book.
7.  Dog bone:  Keep your book away from animals.  (Then I show them the books that dogs had chewed on.)
8.  Scissors:  Never cut a book.
9.  Glue:  Don't try and repair books yourself.
10.  Pens and markers and crayon:  Never write in a book that isn't your own.
Choosing a Just Right Book - We look at the cover, the number of pages, the 5 finger rule, (how many words do you miss on the first page, over 5 and it may be too hard, but you can STILL try it if you want to).  Maybe Mom or Dad could read it to you.
Check In - As they enter the library, they return the books they are finished with.  I hurry to check them back in as they are browsing for books.
Check for Understanding -
Check Out - Kinders get to check out books when Christmas break is over.  The first graders can check out one book for 1 week. The 2nd-6th graders can check out 2 books for 2 weeks with one renewal.
Class Appreciations - Applause for great behaviour or special recognition.
Computers/Laptops - After teaching them how to look up books using the 4 computers we have, then I allow the older grades to look up books.
Discussion Protocols
Entering the Library - Quietly
Exiting the Library - In a line, quietly, and not with their nose in their book.
Library Centers Procedure - I haven't done many library centers yet, but plan to.  Listening centers, magazine centers, worksheets related to an activity, drawing, writing, etc....  The best web site for this is http://librarycenters.blogspot.com/
Partner Work - So far it hasn't been a problem to have them pair up to do work, but I almost always allow them the option to work in groups of 3 or work alone.  This helps those who may feel left out.
Place Books on Hold - I don't allow it.  It's a BIG hassle.  I buy a few extra of the ones that are most popular.
Renew a Book - They may renew a book for an additional 2 week period.
Storytime - I read a story or book to each class as often as time permits, or a read a portion of a few books to "peak" their interest.
Transitions - I ring my chimes and ask for them to freeze while I give very explicit directions.
Using a Shelf Marker - Teach by modeling it, over and over.  If a child EVER uses a book mark as a weapon, I take it away and they don't get to check out a book that day.
What to do if a book is damaged/lost - Don't panic, the parents need to pay the replacement cost.
What to do if you may not check out books - They should bring a book to the library.  They may read another library book or can do a center I have set up.