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The teacher prepares 4-5 questions about the topic, writes them on sticky notes and randomly places them under desks around the room. When students enter the room they are told that some of them are in the “hot seat” and if they find the sticky note they will be prompted to answer the question.
I love this idea! I plan on using this strategy in my class and ask several review questions from the notes that we take. I think is a great way to have students interact and allow many students a chance to respond.
The First Word
The teacher assigns a topic, idea, or concept to the students. They write the word vertically down the paper, then come up with a phrase or sentence that supports the topic using that particular letter.
I would use this as a review activity to summarize topics. For example, during the Renaissance unit I would have students create a document using the word Renaissance and create sentences summarizing the unit.
CLVG-Collaborative Listening and Viewing Guide
This strategy can be used for note taking and summarization over lectures, movie, fieldtrips etc. You pass out the CLVG worksheet to the students, on the left-hand side they will take their notes, which should be brief. The students will then get into groups and share and elaborate on the notes, they will record their information on the right-hand side. The students will then share out as a class and summarize the topic.
I plan on using this strategy the next time my students watch a movie. I think this strategy will help to focus their attention and understand the main points of the film.
Four Corners
This strategy used to debate issues and scenarios. The teacher reads a scenario to the class then instructs the class to look around the classroom and read the four answers to the scenario that are posted in the four corners of the classroom. The students are then instructed to choose one of the four scenarios and go stand in that particular corner. The students will work together to create reasons that support their opinions, the students will then share and discuss their options with the class.
In my Social Studies classroom we often debate issues and I think this is a great idea to have students formulate an opinion and defend it to their classmates. This is a great higher-level thinking tool.
Four-Two-One
In groups, have the student create a list of four words that best describe the topic or idea; you could also use sentences or phrases. In groups the students will narrow their lists and agree on two words that best describe the topic. The groups will then agree on one word that best represents the topic or idea. The groups will share out to the class and the teacher will create one list of words.
I like this activity as a summarization about a topic or idea. I would have the students use sentences or phrases because it requires a little more thinking. An example of how I would use this in my class could be with the topic World War II, and the students would give sentences summarizing the impact of the war on World History.
Final Countdown
Students will reflect over the topic or unit, then using the Final Countdown worksheet, they will write the three most important things about the topic. The students will then write two questions they still have over the topic and one way this topic relates to previous learning.
This is a great review and exit strategy for summarizing the unit. Students have to summarize the importance of the topic then relate it previous topics and learning.
Two Minute Paper
At the end of a discussion or lecture the teacher has the students summarize the most important parts of the lesson by creating a two minute paper/paragraph. This is collected right before the students leave and it is a way for teachers to assess students learning of the topic.
I like this strategy because if forces students to pay attention and summarized the topic discussed. This is also a great way for teachers to check in and re-teach if necessary. I would use this activity as an exit ticket for class that day.
