I saw this wonderful idea in Pinterest. It caught my attention as a nice straightforward, stand alone solution to behavior management.

This is how I envisage myself implementing this in class

• I create a tub of cool down cubes as seen in the picture.
• When I see a child with known behavioral issues becoming stressed or agitated, I place this on their desk.
• The student then takes a cube and carries out the recommended action.
• Hopefully over time the student becomes familiar with all the suggestions on the cubes, and is able to calm themselves down without it.

Positives that I can see of this system include

• I can give the student the cubes without disrupting the overall flow of my lesson.
• The student independently can choose a solution to their problem.
• Over time the student learns the self-control techniques and would no longer require the cubes.
• It is non-confrontational.
• I can ask other teachers for ideas to write on the cubes.

• DINY Reusable Ice Cubes BPA Free 18-36 - 54 Count (18) $7.99 Amazon Choice
• Kikkerland Square Reusable Ice Cubes, Made of Plastic (Set of 30) $8.00
• Thornton's Reusable Plastic Ice Cubes, Assorted Colors (32 Cubes) $12.99 Amazon Choice

I taught English for a number of years at this kindergarten designed by renowned architect Takaharu Tezuka. An amazing place to be as a student. A challenge as a teacher when kids are allowed to roam freely, but once you become accustomed to the lifestyle and ethos it is a wonderful place to be.

The TED video is excellent from both design and educator perspectives. If you wish you wish to learn about more of his work Takaharu Tezuka and his wife have written a number of books.

Read more for my photos of the Kindergarten on opening day. Note the trees rooted in the classroom that extend up through the roof, that there are no fixed physical walls inside, and the entire roof is one large play area.

Scythe by Neal Shusterman - Science Fiction Winner of The Sakura Medal

Download the above poster free here>>>

The linked pdf file is large so it should print nice and clearly at A3 for a wall display, A4 for a notice board display, and A6 for for a shelf or book front display. Or really go to town and set your printer to Poster and print 2x2 A3 !

An introductory video to Luke's Way of Looking by Nadia Wheatley and Matt Ottley

Made in iMovie

This high quality multimodal text / video introduces the ideas behind Nadia Wheatley and Matt Ottley's delightful Luke's Way of Looking. It is designed for Years 1 and 2 but equally suited for ages 5 to 10 and up. I suggest setting this video to watch as flipped classroom homework, or use in class as a way into the book.

Potential enquiry questions include:

• Does everyone look the same?
• Do we all see things the same way?
• What do people think of you?
• How do you feel about that?
• Luke's Way Of Looking

Finally it seem to have been reprinted, and quite rightly so !