Awesome blogs to check out.

Wow. Over 2 weeks since my last post! The last couple weeks have been crazy with planning for our last term, my cat going missing (2 weeks and still no word - sigh-), and developments for next year that are consuming my limited attention.

So, I have been a bit neglectful with my blogging responsibilities but rest assured I haven't forgotten you all. In fact, I would like to point out that I have updated my blogroll to include several new quality sites that I would love for you to check out! They would love to hear from you. Maybe you could mention that I sent you...that would be swell.

Happy Hallowe'en!

Meet Tessa and CA-001 - Voki for the classroom (easy tech)

This is a short entry because if you look to the right of the page, Tessa is right there, waiting to make her debut. So, I'm going to let her do the talking, LITERALLY! CA-001 is there too to show how I will be "employing him". So go ahead and say hi. Then let me know what you think.

Positive Forcasting: Try now for free!

My girlfriend, Alanna, has been attending a series of seminars about behaviour management and came home with a really simple but exciting idea. I know that for some, this is already part of your practice but for the rest of us, try Positive Forecasting.

"What is that?" you ask.

Well, Positive Forecasting is a not-very-complicated term for a not-very-complicated strategy. It won't stain fabrics and it is safe for children of all ages. Best of all, you don't need to buy or make anything!

(Audience of teachers applause uncontrollably)

Here's a demonstration of how Positive Forecasting can work for you:

Traditional Instruction:
Walk to the gym in a quiet single file line.
(Moderate chuckles as teachers see a replay of everytime they go to the gym and students talk and wander and hold hands. Camera zooms in on one teacher telling her neighbour "That's exactly how my students are.")

How many kids will walk to the gym in single file with lame, boring instructions like that? I'll tell you who: just the ones that would have walked to the gym in single file anyways!

Now watch this!

Positive Forecasting:
Now, we're going to walk to the gym quietly. I know you can do this! You know you can do this. You are an AWESOME bunch and staying in a straight, quiet line is going to be easy!
(Audience watches in amazement and erupt into cheers when they arrive. One teacher lady passes out) 

Can you believe it? With Positive Forecasting, the kids were SHAKing with excitement and wanted to show their teacher he was right! They knew they can do it! They arrived with no problems and there were high-fives all around! Awesome!

See the difference Positive Forecasting can make? Positive Forecasting infuses instructions with positive messages in such a way that the students can't bear to disappoint you. And, let's face it, when students don't want to disappoint you, we all win! :)

To get your own Positive Forecasting, simply tell your kids how easy the task is going to be! Be that inspiration they need and make them see the success before they even start.

Easy, eh? You are so clever, it will be a piece of cake for you! I know you can totally do this in your class!