Using choral responses...
Creates a simple reset for the class through simple conditioning
Saves extended time needed to regain student attention
Supports a community connection with each other
Overview
Call backs or choral responses are a great way of conditioning a class to gain attention in creative ways.
When a class is not meeting expectations of the room or an instructor needs to bring attention back to them, they can use a callback.
Callbacks are simple and catchy phrases and responses.
The teacher trains students on the practice of callbacks at the beginning of the year prior to implementing it during a needed time.
The teacher starts 1/2 of the phrase aloud and the students respond with the remainder of the phrase. This helps to maintain focus.
Ba da da da da = I’m lovin it
Red Robin = Yummmmmmmm
123 eyes on me = 1 2 eyes on you
Class class, yes yes
Shark bait... ooo ha ha
Give me two claps and a Rick Flair.... 👏👏📣woooo
Core Components
Must be practiced
Multiple callbacks should be practiced to remain novel. Suggest 3-5
Have the class decide what ones to keep in the bank
Quick and easy to respond to for any student in the room.
Proactive Implementation
Establishing a set and trialing different choral responses at the beginning of a year or semester allows for novelty to maintain. The responses can act as a consistent cue for attention.
Responsive Implementation
If a student, group, or class are struggling to regain attention after transitions then different choral responses may support. The class must be introduced and have input on what the choral responses are.
Connection
If the need is connection then the students should have an opportunity to add or give input to new communal choral responses that the class can use. This could be an incentive.
Skills Training
If the need is skill building then the students may practice what it looks like after they chorally respond to the teacher. This can be taught as listening skills such as eyes on speaker, mouths closed, eyes open, feet still, & hands free.
Awareness
If the need is awareness then the student may complete a self check after a choral response is used where they immediately record their emotions.
Emotional Regulation
If the need is regulation then students can complete a brain break or movement break when the choral response is used.
Consider Factors Prior to Start
Student factors-
Gender, race, function, topography, family dynamics, interpersonal relationships
Contextual factors -
Resource availability, classroom instruction, physical space, time, technology
Intensifying or Fading During
Duration
Frequency
Feedback
Reinforcement
Goals
REMINDER
Make a note to document when you're starting this intervention.
After 10 consecutive school days of implementation, use collected data to determine the intervention's effectiveness.