Step 1: State Expectations
Always state expectations, or give instructions, in terms of time, voice, and body (TVB).
Time: the time frame to complete the expectation
Voice: acceptable voice level to complete the expectation
Voice Level 0 - no talking
Voice Level 1 - quiet conversational talking
Voice Level 2 - outdoor level talking
Body: what students should be doing with their body during the expectation
Examples:
During Transitions: "Take 30 seconds to clear your desk in a level zero voice and be sitting with your feet on the floor tracking me."
During Direct Instruction: "Take a minute to clear your desk and take out your binder, we will be taking Cornell Notes. You can use a conversational voice, but make sure when the minute is up you are facing me so I know you are ready and we can begin."
During Independent Practice: "Students you have 15 minutes to complete the 30 problems you have on your worksheet at a voice level zero."
Step 2: Radar, Scan
Radar and scan are teacher actions directly after stating an expectation. The use of either radar or scan is dictated by the type of expectation.
Scan: The teacher swivels their head and/or sweeps their hand around the room so all students can see them looking. Used when giving directions or giving direct instruction.
Example teacher words: "25 seconds more, 15 seconds, 5, 4, 3... now we have everyone ready to learn."
Radar: The teacher walks through the entire classroom, quickly touching each student's work. Used during student work time.
Step 3: Narrate the Positive
As you use Radar and Scan, narrate the positive, verbally praising students who are demonstrating the proper execution of your Time, Voice, Body expectation.
Examples:
During Scan: "25 seconds more, Johnny has his desk cleared, 15 seconds, Suzy is read to learn as she is tracking me, 5 seconds, William maintained a level zero throughout, thank you..."
During Radar: Students are working on 20 problems. The teacher is using Radar and getting close to students whispering, "Johnny really working hard at a level zero, Suzy like how you are showing your work, William already through problem 15, good job of working hard and showing your work..."
Step 4: Proximity - Strategy to manage off-task behavior
Use proximity to address a student who is off-task. Get close to the student. Lightly touch their desk or shoulder. Do not use words to address the off-task student. Instead, narrate the positive from nearby students.
Step 5: Quiet Redirection / Encouragement
Quiet redirection/encouragement involves whispering or softly stating to the off-task student. If after communicating TVB, radaring the classroom, positively narrating, and using proximity, a student is still off-task, then use quiet redirection / encouragement.
Example Teacher Language: