Whole Brain Teaching

What is it?

Whole brain teaching is an active, engaging teaching method that incorporates kinesthetic movement with language to maximize an inclusive learning environment.  

Whole brain teaching was founded by Chris Rekstad and Andrea Schindler. 

The goal of whole brain teaching is to create peaceful classrooms full of orderly fun.

It is called whole brain teaching because it involves the whole brain in learning. 

Parts of the Brain: 

broca's area system - verbalizing content

visual cortex - seeing gestures

motor cortex - movement 

limbic - emotional 

wernicke's area - hearing a lesson 

How is it used in class?

> Attention getters -

Keeps students engaged and focused. 

> Mirror words - 

students repeat words and gestures throughout the teaching

> Hands and eyes - 

students fold hands and eyes are on you

> Silent mirror - 

students listen quietly, but mirror your gestures

> Magic mirror - 

students listen and make their own gestures 

> Whole brain teaching rules 

     1. follow directions quickly

     2. raise your hand for permission to speak

     3. raise your hand for permission to leave your seat

     4. make smart choices 

     5. keep your dear teacher happy

> Teach - Okay - 

allow students to take turns teaching their partner 

> Score Board - 

teacher marks a score based on how the class is doing - 

oh yeah we are doing great 

oops we will keep trying

Whole brain teaching is great to implement in the classroom. It stimulates and motivates students who are struggling. The hand movements trigger the brain to remember. ELL students are benefited because they are able to work together with other students and teach other students. Whole brain teaching uses the whole brain. This method encourages a more engaging learning environment. It promotes good behavior and physical health. I learned that test scores rose by an average of 11%. I learned that 50% of student behavior improves. I will incorporate several of the methods within whole brain teaching to help with classroom management. Whole brain teaching helps students learn how to think critically and make meaning of information. It is important to remember that meeting the basic needs of students reduces stress and increases learning.