Classroom Strategies for Activities and Grouping
Active Participation Strategies
(compiled by Juli Kendall for the MiddleWeb Reading/Writing Workshop discussion group:
www.middleweb.com)
Use these strategies to encourage students to become actively engaged with reading and writing. You might
want to write each strategy on a separate card for convenience and ease of use.
12 Word Summary:
v In 12 words or less, summarize the most important aspects from today's lesson.
v Evidence Bag: Your ticket out the door is to write down two ideas you learned from today's lesson.
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Numbered Heads: Students number off in teams, one through four.
The teacher asks a series of questions, one at a time.
Students discuss possible answers to each question, for a set amount of time (30-90 seconds).
The teacher calls a number (1-4) and all students with that number raise their hand, ready to respond.
The teacher randomly calls on students with the specified number to answer on behalf of their team.
The teacher continues asking questions until the brainstorming or review session is finished.
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Spectrum
Use a spectrum when asking for student opinions on a topic or question.
Place a line on the chalkboard or masking tape on the floor in front of the room.
Label one end of the line "Strongly Agree" and the other end "Strongly Disagree."
Students line up according to their opinion on the topic.
Other label ideas: Most Important/Least Important, Greatest Effect/Least Effect
A-B Partner Teach
v Partner A turns to Partner B.
v Tell your partner the two most important things you have learned so far about...
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Idea Wave
Each student lists 3 to 5 ideas about the assigned topic.
A volunteer begins the "idea wave" by sharing one idea.
The student to the right of the volunteer shares one idea; the next student to the right shares one idea.
The teacher directs the flow of the "idea wave" until several different ideas have been shared.
At the end of the formal "idea wave," a few volunteers who were not included can contribute an idea.
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Think-Pair-Share
Take a minute to first silently and independently think about your own answer to the question(s).
At the signal, turn and face your partner so you can discuss your answers face to face.
Explain clearly to your partner your own answer and your reasons for making this decision.
Listen carefully to your partner's answers, and pay attention to similarities and differences in your answers.
Ask your partner to explain more if you don't understand or agree with his or her answer.
At the signal, be prepared to share your opinions with the class.
Learning from A to Z
v The objective of this activity is to provide words, phrases, or sentences that are related to the topic that is
being studied.
v The teacher gives the student the topic he/she needs to brainstorm.
PROTEAM DREAMQUEST CURRICULUM
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