Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Bubbles on a Cold Day

My part of the world has been way too cold lately, leaving all the children stuck inside during recess.  These little people really need their fresh air.  We're making it work, but it is not the ideal teaching situation for sure.  I find myself pulling some extra tricks out of my sleeve.  Have you heard about self-control bubbles?  Go here if you're interested in knowing more.  The bubbles have been coming in handy this week.  This morning I even drew a bubble on the board and throughout the day asked students who were showing self-control to sign it.  What first grader doesn't love writing their name on the board?  What teacher doesn't love students who are showing self-control?  Now if someone could do something about the temperature.


17 comments:

  1. I SO needed this today! With 36 kids existing in the same space....bubbles happen all the time! I am absolutely stealing this idea from you. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Laurie
    Chickadee Jubilee

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    1. Laurie, I'm glad this idea will come in handy. It sure helped me survive a crazy week!

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  2. Cute idea! Kids and teachers get so tired of being inside all of the time. I heard kids in other classes yelling yay when it was announced today that they would get to go outside.
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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    1. Lori, I think my kids will be looking forward to outside recesses next week...hopefully. We teachers will definitely be yelling "Yay!"

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  3. Hi Tammy! I read about this the other day and I loved the idea, I just haven't done it yet. I have a few kiddos I am not sure will be able to use self-control to not pop the bubbles the second time! I really like writing their names on the board in the bubble as well. Second Graders also love writing their names on the whiteboard! Thanks so much for sharing!
    Hilary
    Second Grade is Out of This World!

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    1. Hilary, I hope this works with your kids. It usually does. There's definitely something special about writing their names on the board. :)

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  4. I did Tipster Teacher's bubble popping challenge with my kids last year and it was really effective. I loved being able to say "I know you have great self control...I saw you sit there and not pop bubbles and that is nearly impossible. Show me that same great self control now:)"It is in my lesson plan for next week. I love the idea of following up with the bubble on the board as simple positive reinforcer of good behavior. As always, thanks for your wonderful ideas!

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    1. Lyn, I noticed that Teacher Tipster shared the bubble idea too. I sure wish I could remember where I saw it years ago. The owner of the idea sure deserves a great pat on the back. It really does work, huh?

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  6. A great post for today...I thought it was Friday all day and now realize it is only Thursday. I'm doing this tomorrow!! Thank you.
    Jenny

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    1. Jenny, I hope you and your class enjoyed the bubbles. (I wish it had been Friday already.) :)

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  7. It's been soooo cold here!!! I love this idea.

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    1. Jill, I hear ya! My kids need some real recesses next week.

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  8. This is a fabulous idea, Tammy, like all your ideas! I have a tub full of Miracle Bubbles that I could start using.
    Thank you!
    ❀Barbara❀
    Grade ONEderful
    Ruby Slippers Blog Designs

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    1. Barbara, I hope the bubbles go well for you too! They're pretty effective. :)

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  9. I just shared your idea on my district blog that I write (http://msad6ai.blogspot.com/2013/01/self-control-bubbles.html). You are so inspirational for me.

    Kimberley
    First in Maine

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    1. Kimberley, I'm always honored when you share my stuff. Thank you and thank you for inspiring me as well!

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