Marshmallow Mouth and Toes

As we all head into the classrooms with our kiddos we have so many things ahead of us to teach these little people. It's a big job, but someone has to do it! So, over the next few weeks I will share some things I use to get my students' year off on the right foot.....

Do you know what a marshmallow mouth is or what marshmallow toes are? This concept is how I teach my kiddos hallway behavior expectations. Last year I found an adorable poster on Pinterest called Marshmallow Toes. I loved it, but I wanted a poster that demonstrates that when we are walking in the hallways we not only have "marshmallow toes" but also "marshmallow mouths"..... so I altered this little poem (I have no idea who came up with this gem of an idea and I saw different versions of it. If you know who to give credit to, please let me know:0)

This is the lesson I use on Day 1 to teach hallway behavior.....

Show kids a big bag of chips. Ask, "Who likes chips?" They will all quickly agree they like chips. (Seriously, show kids food and you will definitely have their undivided attention!) Give them a chip or 2 to eat.... Tell them to listen carefully as they chew. "Does it make a lot of noise when you eat chips?" Crunch Crunch (emphasize the noise as you model crunching the chips with your mouth). Wow! Those chips sure are noisy!

Next show them a big bag of marshmallows. Ask, "Does anyone like marshmallows?" Of course they will all agree they like them. By this time they are just waiting for you to give them one. "Do you think the marshmallows will make a lot of noise or not a lot of noise?" Give them each a couple marshmallows. Remind them to listen as they chew.......yep it's MUCH quieter chewing marshmallows than chips. After you establish that marshmallows are QUIET, show them this poster:

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Now tell the kids "When we leave our classroom to go somewhere like the lunchroom we will use marshmallow mouths and toes. I’m going to pretend to put a big marshmallow in my mouth. Do you think I will be making lots of noise or not? (Physically do this and cram your mouth with a big marshmallow and try to talk(silently of course:0).....yes it's silly but that will make it even more memorable for the kiddos!......."What if I put marshmallows on my toes? Would my feet make lots of noise or not?" (pretend to do this as well....:0) The kids will giggle and love you for it....They will also get the message that marshmallow mouths and marshmallow toes means we are being quiet.

Teach kids how to line up at door.Remind them to put a marshmallow in their mouth and on their toes. Practice this a few times.

After this initial lesson, all I have to do is remind them to "put on their marshmallows" and they know exactly what that means! :0)

How do YOU teach hallway expectations??