Thomas, Excellent, I love your idea in having the classroom belong to your students and not just your arena. You are then making the learning environment more comfortable and allowing them to find their voice. I also believe in the exercise of writing in journals. May I also suggest that you create a verbal assignment that is equal to a journal assignment. Have students write topics (check topics) and place in a jar. Then have students speak on the topics for 10 to 15 seconds. Start the exercise from their seats then move to a standing position. The time is also increased until they can speak for 60 seconds. Arlene Muller