ABSOLUTELY!!! And this year it isn't just one or two... I have six of them. I discovered this fantastic book on pinterest to read to my students.
When a child would call out I would remind them they were being a volcano. Even some of their peers would tell them that as well. However 2 weeks later I was over constantly having to remind these children about calling out. While browsing pinterest (yet again) I discovered a pin {click here for the original} that got me thinking. Using the blurt chart idea I created my own version using 'My Mouth is a Volcano' theme.I really want to remove my voice from the classroom some more. To be honest, I am over saying the same children's name a hundred times a day. (ok, I exagerate, but you know what I mean).
Our rules are -
- if a child calls out, then I will point to them and then the chart.
- child gets up (without talking) and removes one of their volcanoes. (they have 3 volcanoes)
- for every volcano that is missing, they owe me a minute at the next break.
- if all 3 volcanoes are missing, then they owe me 3 minutes plus a warm fuzzy (will post about this later)
- if their mouth is a volcano for more than 3 then they come up with the agreement that it is in the 'sin bin' for 15 mins at the next break.
- everyone who still has their 3 volcanoes gets a warm fuzzy from me.
At the moment (we have only been doing this for 3 days) I am doing it for each session. So at the beginning of the next session they start with 3 volcanoes again. I hope in a couple of weeks I can extend it out longer - we shall see!!!
I am pleased to report, that in the short time we have been doing this I have noticed a good improvement in calling out. My voice is not being heard, I am using visual and kinesthetic methods to help them take ownership of their behaviours. As I said previously, so far, so good!
Click here for a copy of my volcano chart. Please leave a comment if you use it. I would love to hear your stories about how you have dealt with children calling out in class.
