The Power of our Words

Children need reminders to be successful both academically and behaviorally. Teachers can use reminding language to help children stay focus, be safe and responsible.

When is it the most Effective?

• Reminders are only effective when expectations are taught
• Use reminders when both the child and you are calm
• Use a direct tone and neutral body language
• Keep reminders brief
• Give reminders either as a question or as a statement

Reminding Language in Action

• "What could you do if you have a question?"
• "Show me how you will fix that."
• "It's time for recess. What should you do before you go out?"
• "Class, remind us how you we're going to keep everyone safe."
• "I'll begin when everyone is ready."

Activity 1
Turn and talk with someone next to you about how you use reminding language with your students.

Activity 2
With a partner, you will read some phrases and decide if they are examples of reminding language or not. Sort them into groups.

Activity 3

We are going to join other classes in a few minutes for a celebration. We've talked about how we can be in control of ourselves when we're with other classes, and we've practiced. I want to see all of you remember what we learned. Who remembers how to be responsible?

Aiden, you're going to hurt someone flinging the cars like that. Didn't we already talk about this? Were you listening?

Why don't you figure out how you'll clean up?

Sit by yourself or next to someone you won't talk to. If you can't stay focused, take some breathes and tell your mind to come back to your work.

Interactive Modeling

• Starts with the teacher
• Extends the activity so the children are involved
• All children practice the behavior being modeled 
• Teacher provides feedback

Steps of Interactive Modeling

• Step 1: Say what you will model and why
• Step 2: Model the behavior
• Step 3: Ask students what they noticed
• Step 4: Invite one or more students to model
• Step 5: Again, ask students what they noticed

Steps continued

• Step 6: Have all students practice
• Step 7: Provide feedback

Let's Practice!
We are just beginning reader’s workshop and I'm going to model with the children how to be a book lover. In groups of 4-6, plan how you would use the interactive modeling strategy with your class. What would it look like? Sound like? Be prepared to share and act out.

When Teachers Get Angry
We can't use reminders effectively when we're angry. So what do we do when we are angry with a child? Turn and talk with the person next to you and share what you do when you feel angry in the classroom.

Some tips

• Pay Attention to Small Things
• Use Brief Phrase to Stop the Action
• Use Time-Out
• Get Help From Another Teacher
• Apologize if Necessary

Take some private think time and think about something you learned or are taking away from this presentation. Turn and talk with the person next to you.