This has really been the year where I have purchased things that have really changed my world.
Possibly the best thing that I have purchased this school year was my wireless doorbell. I have had some eyebrows raised when I have talked to folks about buying a doorbell for my library (the library is the biggest classroom in the school, after all). I guess the first thought is using a doorbell as it was designed.
Oh no, this is my attention getter.
I used to try the cutesy phrases or counting. I even had a cowbell that I would ring from time to time, but that felt like it was done more out of desperation. I wanted something that wasn’t a last resort when things felt out of control, but something that was integrated as part of the routine.
When I heard someone talk about a classroom doorbell, I decided that I had to have one. My library is HUGE and it is hard to get people’s attention when they are working in such a large space. So I purchased this.
I initially purchased the model with two buttons and one receiver, but went back and purchased this model as well due to the large space. I honestly think it would be even better if I had one more receiver. I have a collaboration room that the students call “the Lego room” and with a receiver in there they would have no excuse not to “hear” me.
My younger students have been the most receptive to this. I hit it once and it is dead silent almost instantly. Occasionally there’s one that I have to speak to, but there’s usually one whatever your method is. I really think that if I have them “trained” early then when they reach the upper grades it will be smooth sailing. My older kids aren’t bad it, but they could be better. I know some of that is an age thing, however.
I see my students once a week and then they have a “bonus” Friday every month. For kids I only see once a week, the doorbell thing has definitely stuck with many of them. I have enjoyed the instant response and I also have really enjoyed the reactions from teachers and staff members who have witnessed it in action. I really need to record a video of my students’ response because I just think it is so cool.