Being a ne w AP English teacher this year, I really gravitated toward Strategies 29, 34 and 35 for my AP scholars. AP requires deep diving and the opportunity to synthesize the information. The aforementioned strategies will facilitate the learning of key components of AP English in an effort to mitigate confusion in the realm if Language and Composition.
I thought this chapter had a lot of useful strategies that could apply to early elementary. In the past I have done a lot with inference but I have never thought to compile a data chart showing facts, inferences and opinions. Using such a visual would really add to the understanding for young learners. I like that they then recommend having the students rank the credibility of the inferences. I can see using this in multiple content areas.
I really like the 4 corners. I have wanted to try for a long time. There are alot of other strategies in chapter 6 that I would like to try too. I think I am using some of them but not getting to the evaluate level. Some of the other strategies I want to try are questioning protocols, inferencing ( using with modifications for 3rd grade, I use I do we do they do in groups, using Ciera Harris comprehension strategies) think pair share, investigations. I would use the claims, evidence, and reasons for teaching writing.
I really like the idea of 4 corners. I will definitely try it with my scholars this fall. There are lots of opportunities to use this strategy in our reading and writing curriculum.
I have had the pleasure of seeing a teacher use the four corners strategy with great success. Let's talk about this at the beginning of the year and I will gladly give you some pointers to get you started.
Mr. Mayer, I would like to sit in with you on the discussion of using 4 corners. I have used it before but now moving up grade levels I would like more details.
I would like to use strategies 30, 31 and 35 with my scholars this fall. I believe that these strategies will assist students in getting to the kinds of deep thinking I would like to see them develop as they more towards learning critical thinking and cognitive engagement.
Dr. Deborah Godwin-Starks Timothy L Johnson Academy
Amanda Rouse PLA@103 I really like 33. I think scholars need to learn to identify if a source is credible in a world of very unreliable sources. I also love 32--if done correctly, this is a great strategy. I'd like to implement 41 as I think it would keep scholars engaged and be an effective analyzing tool.
I liked the four corners idea and would like to try and incorporate that in my classroom! I also like that students need to question the source and not just believe everything that they read especially on the internet. I liked strategy 33 and strategy 41 the color coded critical feedback.
My favorite strategy from this chapter is four corners, I have previously implemented this strategy in my classroom and I love that it allows for scholar movement and collaboration, specifically collaboration with people they may not normally choose to collaborate/ communicate with. As for the strategy that I would like to see the teachers I support use in their classroom is Think-Pair-Share continuum. Something the two schools I support lacked last year was scholar collaboration and I think that by pushing for the teachers to implement this strategy it will be a good starting point.
As an administrator, I have had the pleasure of seeing most of these strategies in action. It never ceases to amaze me at how our students do when challenged. Sure, most of these strategies need to start with baby steps and training, but once scholars get some practice using them, they are awesome to see.
Hello, My favorite collaboration strategy from this chapter is four corners. This is a great fit for scholars, because it is a great way to actively engage scholars in the learning process, encourage critical thinking and promote positive peer-to-peer learning. Scholars are able to hear, share and respect the ideas of others. As well as collaboratively work with others. This strategy helps them practice skills that are definitely needed later on in life. This is also a strategy that I am planning on using this year as a pretending with making predictions, and post-reading activity that shows how scholars are able to apply new information from a text to check or change predictions. Scholars will be able to demonstrate their level of understanding. They will be able to also show how details are used to support ideas and how it helps them understand a text.
The 4 Corners strategy can be easily adapted to use in the library setting. I could see this being used with questions from an anticipation guide, prior to and after reading. I liked that the text reminds readers that they can have any number of "corners" to fit the questions/activity.
My favorite strategy from this chapter is Evaluate an Author's Reasoning. I can see this strategy being using in the library setting. I liked that this strategy has a small group component to get more scholars talking. I also really liked the elementary scholar adapted graphic organizer that goes with this strategy. This strategy could be scaffolded by giving scholars the claim and having them find the reasons and evidence and deciding if the author's is convincing.
My favorite strategy from this chapter is the Quads. I like that the students will develop their own questions and then 4 other students will have to answer the questions. I also like that the original students have to go back and read the answers and evaluate them for accuracy. I think this allows the students to really get a grasp on the information taught.
I am thinking of using the Four Corners strategy during class sometimes. This will not only help the students think about the topic during class but also get some movement in during my class. I think the students would enjoy being to move around my class while discussing with others and learning. Sohn'a Duff PLA@103
#1: "Claims, Evidence, Reasons" is a great strategy to use for pre-writing. Our scholars struggle to organize their writing, and it shows in their response to text answers. This strategy is organizational, thought-provoking, and even has a graphic organizing chart to encourage pre-writing thought and analysis prior to responding to a writing prompt. It can also be a springboard to discussion on what constitutes evidence, and whether or not that evidence actually supports the claim.
#2: The "Think/Pair/Share Continuum" is a combination of the classic "TPS" and the 4 Corners strategy. One of the best components is how it incorporates movement and collaboration. Also, instead of being tied down to a binary choice, scholars are allowed to consider the gray areas that so many issues include.
Coming into my first year of teaching, this chapter has been very helpful for me! I like Strategy 27: Questioning Protocols. I think this strategy will push scholars towards our overall goal for them and that is creating something with the knowledge they have acquired.
I also would like to incorporate Strategy 31: Decision Making. As an Early Childhood Teacher I believe it is important for scholars to start developing critical decision making skills and develop reasonable rationales for their decisions.
As a former middle school social studies teacher, I used strategy 29 - Jigsaw. This is a good way to cover a lot of material in a short amount of time. Scholars do need to be active listeners during the reporting out of the other groups.
I am very excited to use 4 corners. It is so very important that my scholars are up and moving. I am going to have them collaborate with each other to explain thier reasoning for choosing a corner. Jenelle Miller PLA103
All the strategies in this chapter would need a lot of modifications and variations for kindergarten level. An already modified strategy I use is "Four Corners," using just two sides of the room for an either/or type choice, rather than all four corners. I would like to try extending it to all four corners this year and see how students do with more choices
My favorite strategy is four corners. I like to watch students involve into knowing that their justifications are not wrong and that they are seeing another's perspective. The students grow into simple answers into deeper meanings, and longer sentences. I have been using this strategy for a few years now, and the students really enjoy when we start our class with a "Which one Doesn't belong and why." They will go into the designated corners, and then tell their rationale of their thinking. I will continue to use this strategy, and find it very beneficial for all students.
I have used 4 corners in the past as a college ENL composition teacher. We usually did it as more of a binary question as part of a pre-reading strategy. I am currently trying to think of ways to use it to get the scholars talking about different music genres, but because music preferences are so personal, I am a bit worried that the reasoning will just be "because this genre is good" or "because that genre is trash" instead of a deeper level discussion.
I would also like to try the Inferencing strategy using the scholars personal music genre/artist preferences. Last year I did "birthday bios" for different favorite artists throughout the year, but so often I would have someone say "nobody likes so-and-so". I explained every time that SOMEONE in the class does because I pulled the list of artists I used from these bios from the class questionnaire at the beginning of the year. I think that perhaps if I actually could make this part of a class activity, they would see that their classmates have a larger variety of music interests than just what they think is good in their own mind. This may allow them to infer more about the classroom as a whole and hopefully open their minds to other artists and genres.
I have used 4 corners in my class many times. The students like it and have fun moving about the classroom. I really would like to try the questioning protocols. I think this strategy could lend itself to science and social studies. I think that it would give my students more control of their learning, I would just be a facilitator for them. Jennifer Janusaitis- Thea Bowman Leadership Academy
Mindi Spychalski PLA@103 I look forward to using Thnk-pair-share and 4 corners next year. I like the scholars moving around and seeing other scholars perspective. Young scholars need to be moving around the classroom and I like the kids verbally explaining their ideas. The answer is not a simple answer and there isn't a right or wrong answer. They get to see how other scholars are thinking.
Think, Pair and Share is a great strategy for the younger students, in the past I have allowed ELL students to share with each other in their native language.
My favorite strategy is four corners--I have used while we were virtual, but really enjoyed the ideas to take it to the next level face-to-face.
The strategy that I hope to use more in the classroom next year is Think-Pair-Share. I have used it in the past, but I hope to dig in deeper with this upcoming school year. I also am very excited about Inferencing and Questioning Protocols!
I absolutely love the strategy of Four corners. I have used it before with the younger scholars. They loved it and being able to move around the classroom provides movement for them. The strategy that I would like to try would be claims, evidence and reasons. Once again, there are so many strategies I would love to try in my classroom.
My favorite strategy is Think, Pair, and Share. I have used this in the past and it is a very useful strategy to use during reading time, everyone gets to talk and as a teacher you can listen in. Students love to share their answers about stories read in class. The strategy I would like to incorporate more would be four corners. I teach Kindergarten and they can benefit with the movement. I look forward in using this strategy.
I agree, reading time is a great time to use think-pair-share! Scholars can discuss the story, while you get to listen and check for comprehension. Heather Hill PLA @93
My favorite strategy is Think-Pair-Share. My kindergarten students love this strategy as well, it really allows them to see other students perspectives and gives all students a chance to talk. The strategy that I would like to try is Four Corners. After reading some of the other comments I think the idea of letting students try the strategy with just 2 sides and then graduating to the full 4 corners would work well with my young scholars. Movement is crucial with this age group and both of these strategies really allow for students to move around while still learning and and learning to express themselves.
I didn't think of using the think-pair-share with kindergarten, but it makes total sense to be one that would work successfully. Thanks for sharing this, as this is something I could think about when writing lesson plans for kindergarten.
Brittany Connett- PLA@93 I have used Think-Pair-Share in my classroom. The students love talking with a partner and, as others mentioned, it gives the students a chance to talk while remaining on task. I would like to implement Four Corners next year. I actually saw a teacher use this activity when I was in college, but had forgotten all about it. I think it will give me a chance to see what the students are thinking. This also takes some of the pressure off of the students who hesitate to share, since everyone will be up and moving.
My favorite strategy is Four Corners. I've used it often in the past and the scholars enjoy it. It allows them to move around the classroom and discuss with others. There are several strategies in this chapter that I think could be used in 3rd grade. I really want to try Questioning Protocols. I think this is a great way to get kids asking more questions but you can still guide them through the use of specific protocols. I've used Think-Pair-Share in the past but not with a continuum so that would also be something new to try. I also want to try Quads to get kids asking good questions and evaluating the responses to those questions.
I have not used 4 corners as of yet and would like to try it out with my scholars. I believe that scholars are more engaged when they are generating questions and thinking the processes through when solving math problems. Frederick Pittman THE HIAT
I would like to try to use the Jigsaw strategy with my scholars and divide then into groups and make them responsible for gathering information on a science topic and put their information on chart paper and then do a gallery walk or whole class prezentation on each part. Frederick Pittman The HIAT
I have used four corners and inferencing before and have really enjoyed these strategies. They have engaged my scholars and I like that with four corners the students get to move around during the lesson. I would love to use strategy 29: Jigsaw with case studies with my students. We used this strategy in some of my college classes and with modeling, I think it can be used in upper elementary as well. I liked the example of using this strategy in a poetry unit!
I like strategy 28. Inferencing is such a great tool! Students can do it 'all the time without even thinking about it'. But when it is pointed out, they do think about it. They realize they are using a higher order of thinking. I have seen they get a 'can do' attitude when they have had simple success with this.
I am very excited about using "Four Corners. I feel that this would be the best fit for my students because it provides practice in critical thinking and allows my students to move and learn.
Strategy 27 is a strategy that I use in my room by the way of Think-Pair-Share. I using questioning to get them to think more. I remember there was a game that you only ask questions to get to the answer. There is a board game and on the comedy show " Who's Line is it anyway?" They used to do a skit with only using questions. I think this would be something fun for students to act out also.
A strategy that I would want to try more with is the Jigsaw with Case Studies. Teaching 4th grade, whenever they have a big project, they dread it and don't want to even start. But with Jigsaw, they could finish a big project and make it easier.
I also like the Jigsaw idea. We did something similar when I taught in AZ and used the Engage NY curriculum. Students usually liked a few of the roles and got through the ones they didn't like with help from their group members.
Where did you hear about the board game? That sounds interesting!
I have used think-pair-share in my classroom before and I love listening to their conversations with their peers! It gives them a chance to talk, while still staying focused on what we are learning. I'm looking forward to using four corners this year because I really think they are going to enjoy that they get to move around. Heather Hill PLA @93
Think Pair and share is very engaging activity. The students enjoy sharing their ideas and it is non-threatening. This activity requires very little planning. Angela Posey@PLA 103
I too love utilizing TPS and listening to the scholars discussions and interactions. I love it when I give them a timeframe and their discussions are so good that I extend by 5 mins. and they don't even realize it because they are so focused and engaged. Have a great school year!
Sarah Williams-Chapel Hill Academy -My favorite collaboration activity that I have used with my students is Four Corners. This is a good fit for my students because it gets them out of their seats, while also challenging them to think and prove their answers. -A strategy that I would like to implement in my classroom is the Questioning Protocols. I have had various activities where students use question stems to generate questions, but this kicks it up a notch! I especially like the variation mentioned of Think-Pair-Square-Share because it allows space for the students to generate questions individually and in other groupings as well.
I like the Think Pair Share because it makes scholars think, sometimes, outside the box. When they walk the room and compare ideas and thoughts they may even decide their answer isn't the best one and cause them to rethink it. Sharing ideas helps them to move forward in their development.
Kay Clabaugh Timothy L. Johnson Academy Fort Wayne. IN
My favorite collaborative strategy from this chapter was Four Corners I know this would work really well with my first graders as it would allow them the opportunity to move around, interact with peers whom they may not normally have conversation with and have hands on engagement.
A strategy that I would like to use with my first graders is Peer Critiquing. I think it would be good for the kids to understand that it’s okay to give constructive feedback to their friends without being mean or hurting their feelings and taking that advice to improve upon what they are working on. This gives everyone an opportunity to be an important part of each other’s learning and growth.
Some strategies I use from this chapter include, Think Pair Share and Four Corners. I use Four corners and ask students to discuss with someone in their corner and someone in a different corner to get different perspectives on their answers.
Priority questions is one strategy I would like to use in my classroom. My students have lots of questions in First Grade so I would like to use this strategy to help them think about what is the most important parts of the lesson we are learning.
I think the priority question strategy is great to use for kindergarten and first grade! Its a great way to help them visualize what questions are important to the lesson!
Angela Posey @ PLA 103 Chapter 6 The strategies that I really enjoy using is the Inferencing, Jigsaw, and Four Corners. I have uses these strategies in large group instruction. These strategies really drive higher order thinking. Employing these strategies during small group instruction would help to facilitate the students understanding of the process and help the students use higher order thinking. I would use a graphic organizer for the inferencing. These strategies will transfer to the students’ comprehension of the subject. I would employ these strategies in Reading and Math.
Think-pair-share is obviously one of the best collaborative strategies for all grade levels. This exercise provides not only an opportunity for scholars to learn from their peers, but also for the teacher to collect data on mastery of the skill that was being taught during the discussion.
I love the four corners strategy. I used in my kindergarten classroom numerous times. It got the students moving around and communicating to others. Another strategy I love and I am looking forward to using the think-pair-share strategy. This strategy also allows students to collaborate. It also gets students thinking about the question asked and to collaborate with others on an answer. I am excited to use this strategy in small groups this school year.
Four Corners is a classic go-to kinesthetic & high level activity that is great for scholars. Yes, sometimes students will go where their friends are, but creating engaging choices that align to the lesson objectives, make for great discussions and written responses.
I will encourage my teachers to use the variation of Four Corners - Think-Pair-Share Continuum because I like the pre-work ahead of the group engagement activity. That will provide more focused discussions and higher level thinking.
I love utilizing the four corner strategy in the library, as enables students to collaborate and a large space. We are lucky to have a large library, so this is easier to implement than some of the smaller classrooms. Scholars have done well collaborating with one another, rather than just engaging with friends, so it has proven effective in the library.
I would like to implement peer critiquing within the library, something the older scholars have enjoyed in the past. It would be possible to lesson plan this strategy for younger scholars, as many scholars have found it beneficial to do these sort of peer reviews when relating to library lessons.
For the evaluate level strategies, I really liked the peer critiquing strategy (32). I work hard to build a culture of error and support where constructive feedback is freely taken and given in a positive manner. I think scholars, when asked to analyze others’ work or presentations, they will be more apt to be focused and quiet when they are not presenting, but also will know exactly what everyone is looking for and can meet those expectations. As a few others have mentioned, this strategy ONLY works if that supportive culture is strong in the classroom. Otherwise, you can have feelings hurt and cause a disruption.
I am going to implement evaluate around the circle jigsaw (33). A major part of media literacy, particularly in 6th grade, is to evaluate its credibility. This strategy explores credibility of a text or media by having scholars research one question and then returns with the information to their home group. Each member of their home group relays their new knowledge and together they decide if the source is credible based on their new shared knowledge. This strategy is really cool because it allows scholars to be supported by peers (and teacher) the entire time, but still holds them accountable to understand/relay the information to someone else.
My favorite collaboration strategy from this chapter is four corners. It is a great fit for my scholars because it can get them up and moving (less seat wiggling) and let's them share their thoughts with classmates without having to speak in front of everyone. It can take awhile to get an entire class willing to participate orally in front of everyone, so this is a good first step! I've used this strategy before to review for a test, frontload a unit, and a back from break activity.
A strategy I plan to use in my classroom this year is media analysis. I really liked the graphic organizer in figure 6.11 and want to tweak it to use. Students often have trouble finding reputable websites at the beginning of the year and the organizer can assist them until their confidence builds.
Some students feel safer and more relaxed when talking in small groups, rather than having to speak in front of the entire class. My favorite strategy is the Think-Pair-Share activity, which gives scholars the opportunity to feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts. In addition to fostering social skills, this strategy also improves students' speaking and listening skills. When pairs brainstorm together, each student learns from their partner. This can help students expand their vocabulary as they learn new words from their peers and build on their prior knowledge.
I will implement graphic organizers within my classroom. Students can break down the process into manageable steps. This will help them make valuable connections, make learning enjoyable and interactive.
Being a ne w AP English teacher this year, I really gravitated toward Strategies 29, 34 and 35 for my AP scholars. AP requires deep diving and the opportunity to synthesize the information. The aforementioned strategies will facilitate the learning of key components of AP English in an effort to mitigate confusion in the realm if Language and Composition.
ReplyDeleteTeresa Jones, 1st grade at TLJA in Fort Wayne
DeleteI agree there were multiple strategies in this chapter that could generate some deep discussion.
Teresa Jones 1st grade at TLJA in Fort Wayne
ReplyDeleteI thought this chapter had a lot of useful strategies that could apply to early elementary. In the past I have done a lot with inference but I have never thought to compile a data chart showing facts, inferences and opinions. Using such a visual would really add to the understanding for young learners. I like that they then recommend having the students rank the credibility of the inferences. I can see using this in multiple content areas.
The visual component is very valuable. Don't forget the movement part, too!
DeleteI really like the 4 corners. I have wanted to try for a long time. There are alot of other strategies in chapter 6 that I would like to try too. I think I am using some of them but not getting to the evaluate level. Some of the other strategies I want to try are questioning protocols, inferencing ( using with modifications for 3rd grade, I use I do we do they do in groups, using Ciera Harris comprehension strategies) think pair share, investigations. I would use the claims, evidence, and reasons for teaching writing.
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of 4 corners. I will definitely try it with my scholars this fall. There are lots of opportunities to use this strategy in our reading and writing curriculum.
DeleteJulie,
DeleteI have had the pleasure of seeing a teacher use the four corners strategy with great success. Let's talk about this at the beginning of the year and I will gladly give you some pointers to get you started.
Alex Mayer, AP PLA93, Indianapolis
I agree, I am excited to use 4 corners.
DeleteJenelle Miller
PLA103
Mindi Spychalski PLA@103
DeleteI agree with that 4 corners is great strategy along with Think, pair share. The kids move and see other scholars perspective.
Mr. Mayer, I would like to sit in with you on the discussion of using 4 corners. I have used it before but now moving up grade levels I would like more details.
DeleteKaren Prince PLA #93 3rd grade
I would like to use strategies 30, 31 and 35 with my scholars this fall. I believe that these strategies will assist students in getting to the kinds of deep thinking I would like to see them develop as they more towards learning critical thinking and cognitive engagement.
ReplyDeleteDr. Deborah Godwin-Starks
Timothy L Johnson Academy
Amanda Rouse PLA@103
ReplyDeleteI really like 33. I think scholars need to learn to identify if a source is credible in a world of very unreliable sources. I also love 32--if done correctly, this is a great strategy.
I'd like to implement 41 as I think it would keep scholars engaged and be an effective analyzing tool.
Megan Denton, PLA @ 48, Media Specialist
DeleteI also liked strategy 33 for the same reason. I could see using this strategy with two or more reports on the same topic or event.
I agree Amanda and Megan. 33 is very important in this day and age.
DeleteAmylynn Faulstich PLA 48
ReplyDeleteI liked the four corners idea and would like to try and incorporate that in my classroom! I also like that students need to question the source and not just believe everything that they read especially on the internet. I liked strategy 33 and strategy 41 the color coded critical feedback.
I agree I think the Four Corners idea would be great for all classes.
DeleteMy favorite strategy from this chapter is four corners, I have previously implemented this strategy in my classroom and I love that it allows for scholar movement and collaboration, specifically collaboration with people they may not normally choose to collaborate/ communicate with. As for the strategy that I would like to see the teachers I support use in their classroom is Think-Pair-Share continuum. Something the two schools I support lacked last year was scholar collaboration and I think that by pushing for the teachers to implement this strategy it will be a good starting point.
ReplyDeleteAs an administrator, I have had the pleasure of seeing most of these strategies in action. It never ceases to amaze me at how our students do when challenged. Sure, most of these strategies need to start with baby steps and training, but once scholars get some practice using them, they are awesome to see.
ReplyDeleteAlec Mayer, AP, PLA93, Indianapolis
Hello,
ReplyDeleteMy favorite collaboration strategy from this chapter is four corners. This is a great fit for scholars, because it is a great way to actively engage scholars in the learning process, encourage critical thinking and promote positive peer-to-peer learning. Scholars are able to hear, share and respect the ideas of others. As well as collaboratively work with others. This strategy helps them practice skills that are definitely needed later on in life. This is also a strategy that I am planning on using this year as a pretending with making predictions, and post-reading activity that shows how scholars are able to apply new information from a text to check or change predictions. Scholars will be able to demonstrate their level of understanding. They will be able to also show how details are used to support ideas and how it helps them understand a text.
Megan Denton, PLA @ 48, Media Specialist
ReplyDeleteThe 4 Corners strategy can be easily adapted to use in the library setting. I could see this being used with questions from an anticipation guide, prior to and after reading. I liked that the text reminds readers that they can have any number of "corners" to fit the questions/activity.
My favorite strategy from this chapter is Evaluate an Author's Reasoning. I can see this strategy being using in the library setting. I liked that this strategy has a small group component to get more scholars talking. I also really liked the elementary scholar adapted graphic organizer that goes with this strategy. This strategy could be scaffolded by giving scholars the claim and having them find the reasons and evidence and deciding if the author's is convincing.
My favorite strategy from this chapter is the Quads. I like that the students will develop their own questions and then 4 other students will have to answer the questions. I also like that the original students have to go back and read the answers and evaluate them for accuracy. I think this allows the students to really get a grasp on the information taught.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of using the Four Corners strategy during class sometimes. This will not only help the students think about the topic during class but also get some movement in during my class. I think the students would enjoy being to move around my class while discussing with others and learning.
Sohn'a Duff PLA@103
#1: "Claims, Evidence, Reasons" is a great strategy to use for pre-writing. Our scholars struggle to organize their writing, and it shows in their response to text answers. This strategy is organizational, thought-provoking, and even has a graphic organizing chart to encourage pre-writing thought and analysis prior to responding to a writing prompt. It can also be a springboard to discussion on what constitutes evidence, and whether or not that evidence actually supports the claim.
ReplyDelete#2: The "Think/Pair/Share Continuum" is a combination of the classic "TPS" and the 4 Corners strategy. One of the best components is how it incorporates movement and collaboration. Also, instead of being tied down to a binary choice, scholars are allowed to consider the gray areas that so many issues include.
I agree that Claims, Evidence, Reasons would be great for pre-writing, especially for scholars who struggle with finding and providing evidence.
DeleteComing into my first year of teaching, this chapter has been very helpful for me! I like Strategy 27: Questioning Protocols. I think this strategy will push scholars towards our overall goal for them and that is creating something with the knowledge they have acquired.
ReplyDeleteI also would like to incorporate Strategy 31: Decision Making. As an Early Childhood Teacher I believe it is important for scholars to start developing critical decision making skills and develop reasonable rationales for their decisions.
Taylor Pritchard PLA 103
As a former middle school social studies teacher, I used strategy 29 - Jigsaw. This is a good way to cover a lot of material in a short amount of time. Scholars do need to be active listeners during the reporting out of the other groups.
ReplyDeleteI am very excited to use 4 corners. It is so very important that my scholars are up and moving. I am going to have them collaborate with each other to explain thier reasoning for choosing a corner.
ReplyDeleteJenelle Miller
PLA103
All the strategies in this chapter would need a lot of modifications and variations for kindergarten level. An already modified strategy I use is "Four Corners," using just two sides of the room for an either/or type choice, rather than all four corners. I would like to try extending it to all four corners this year and see how students do with more choices
ReplyDeleteBrenda Kolkman
Kdg - TLJA
My favorite strategy is four corners. I like to watch students involve into knowing that their justifications are not wrong and that they are seeing another's perspective. The students grow into simple answers into deeper meanings, and longer sentences. I have been using this strategy for a few years now, and the students really enjoy when we start our class with a "Which one Doesn't belong and why." They will go into the designated corners, and then tell their rationale of their thinking. I will continue to use this strategy, and find it very beneficial for all students.
ReplyDeleteAbbigail Brantch, Music Education at JRPLA
ReplyDeleteI have used 4 corners in the past as a college ENL composition teacher. We usually did it as more of a binary question as part of a pre-reading strategy. I am currently trying to think of ways to use it to get the scholars talking about different music genres, but because music preferences are so personal, I am a bit worried that the reasoning will just be "because this genre is good" or "because that genre is trash" instead of a deeper level discussion.
I would also like to try the Inferencing strategy using the scholars personal music genre/artist preferences. Last year I did "birthday bios" for different favorite artists throughout the year, but so often I would have someone say "nobody likes so-and-so". I explained every time that SOMEONE in the class does because I pulled the list of artists I used from these bios from the class questionnaire at the beginning of the year. I think that perhaps if I actually could make this part of a class activity, they would see that their classmates have a larger variety of music interests than just what they think is good in their own mind. This may allow them to infer more about the classroom as a whole and hopefully open their minds to other artists and genres.
I have used 4 corners in my class many times. The students like it and have fun moving about the classroom. I really would like to try the questioning protocols. I think this strategy could lend itself to science and social studies. I think that it would give my students more control of their learning, I would just be a facilitator for them.
ReplyDeleteJennifer Janusaitis- Thea Bowman Leadership Academy
Mindi Spychalski PLA@103
ReplyDeleteI look forward to using Thnk-pair-share and 4 corners next year. I like the scholars moving around and seeing other scholars perspective. Young scholars need to be moving around the classroom and I like the kids verbally explaining their ideas. The answer is not a simple answer and there isn't a right or wrong answer. They get to see how other scholars are thinking.
Think, Pair and Share is a great strategy for the younger students, in the past I have allowed ELL students to share with each other in their native language.
DeleteMy favorite strategy is four corners--I have used while we were virtual, but really enjoyed the ideas to take it to the next level face-to-face.
ReplyDeleteThe strategy that I hope to use more in the classroom next year is Think-Pair-Share. I have used it in the past, but I hope to dig in deeper with this upcoming school year. I also am very excited about Inferencing and Questioning Protocols!
Alissa Davis
PLA@48
I absolutely love the strategy of Four corners. I have used it before with the younger scholars. They loved it and being able to move around the classroom provides movement for them. The strategy that I would like to try would be claims, evidence and reasons. Once again, there are so many strategies I would love to try in my classroom.
ReplyDeleteKaren Prince PLA #93 3rd grade
Brittany Connett PLA@93
DeleteI am glad to see Four Corners works with Kindergarten! I was thinking of trying that for next year.
My favorite strategy is Think, Pair, and Share. I have used this in the past and it is a very useful strategy to use during reading time, everyone gets to talk and as a teacher you can listen in. Students love to share their answers about stories read in class.
ReplyDeleteThe strategy I would like to incorporate more would be four corners. I teach Kindergarten and they can benefit with the movement. I look forward in using this strategy.
PLA @ 103
I agree, reading time is a great time to use think-pair-share! Scholars can discuss the story, while you get to listen and check for comprehension.
DeleteHeather Hill
PLA @93
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ReplyDeleteMy favorite strategy is Think-Pair-Share. My kindergarten students love this strategy as well, it really allows them to see other students perspectives and gives all students a chance to talk. The strategy that I would like to try is Four Corners. After reading some of the other comments I think the idea of letting students try the strategy with just 2 sides and then graduating to the full 4 corners would work well with my young scholars. Movement is crucial with this age group and both of these strategies really allow for students to move around while still learning and and learning to express themselves.
ReplyDeleteAlyssa Scott PLA@93
I didn't think of using the think-pair-share with kindergarten, but it makes total sense to be one that would work successfully. Thanks for sharing this, as this is something I could think about when writing lesson plans for kindergarten.
DeleteBrittany Connett- PLA@93
ReplyDeleteI have used Think-Pair-Share in my classroom. The students love talking with a partner and, as others mentioned, it gives the students a chance to talk while remaining on task. I would like to implement Four Corners next year. I actually saw a teacher use this activity when I was in college, but had forgotten all about it. I think it will give me a chance to see what the students are thinking. This also takes some of the pressure off of the students who hesitate to share, since everyone will be up and moving.
My favorite strategy is Four Corners. I've used it often in the past and the scholars enjoy it. It allows them to move around the classroom and discuss with others. There are several strategies in this chapter that I think could be used in 3rd grade. I really want to try Questioning Protocols. I think this is a great way to get kids asking more questions but you can still guide them through the use of specific protocols. I've used Think-Pair-Share in the past but not with a continuum so that would also be something new to try. I also want to try Quads to get kids asking good questions and evaluating the responses to those questions.
ReplyDeleteI have not used 4 corners as of yet and would like to try it out with my scholars. I believe that scholars are more engaged when they are generating questions and thinking the processes through when solving math problems.
DeleteFrederick Pittman THE HIAT
I would like to try to use the Jigsaw strategy with my scholars and divide then into groups and make them responsible for gathering information on a science topic and put their information on chart paper and then do a gallery walk or whole class prezentation on each part.
ReplyDeleteFrederick Pittman
The HIAT
I love this idea!!! I didn't even think of using this in Science. Jigsaw should make investigations and experiments a lot less intimidating too.
DeleteI have used four corners and inferencing before and have really enjoyed these strategies. They have engaged my scholars and I like that with four corners the students get to move around during the lesson. I would love to use strategy 29: Jigsaw with case studies with my students. We used this strategy in some of my college classes and with modeling, I think it can be used in upper elementary as well. I liked the example of using this strategy in a poetry unit!
ReplyDeleteKaylee Briggs -PLA@103
I like strategy 28. Inferencing is such a great tool! Students can do it 'all the time without even thinking about it'. But when it is pointed out, they do think about it. They realize they are using a higher order of thinking. I have seen they get a 'can do' attitude when they have had simple success with this.
ReplyDeleteI am very excited about using "Four Corners. I feel that this would be the best fit for my students because it provides practice in critical thinking and allows my students to move and learn.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree Robbin! I am definitely going to use Four Corners with my first graders this year! I’m so excited to be back in the classroom 100%!
DeleteStrategy 27 is a strategy that I use in my room by the way of Think-Pair-Share. I using questioning to get them to think more. I remember there was a game that you only ask questions to get to the answer. There is a board game and on the comedy show " Who's Line is it anyway?" They used to do a skit with only using questions. I think this would be something fun for students to act out also.
ReplyDeleteA strategy that I would want to try more with is the Jigsaw with Case Studies. Teaching 4th grade, whenever they have a big project, they dread it and don't want to even start. But with Jigsaw, they could finish a big project and make it easier.
I also like the Jigsaw idea. We did something similar when I taught in AZ and used the Engage NY curriculum. Students usually liked a few of the roles and got through the ones they didn't like with help from their group members.
DeleteWhere did you hear about the board game? That sounds interesting!
Ashley Pierce - 7th Grade @ JRP (Indy)
I have used think-pair-share in my classroom before and I love listening to their conversations with their peers! It gives them a chance to talk, while still staying focused on what we are learning. I'm looking forward to using four corners this year because I really think they are going to enjoy that they get to move around.
ReplyDeleteHeather Hill
PLA @93
Think Pair and share is very engaging activity. The students enjoy sharing their ideas and it is non-threatening. This activity requires very little
Deleteplanning. Angela Posey@PLA 103
I too love utilizing TPS and listening to the scholars discussions and interactions. I love it when I give them a timeframe and their discussions are so good that I extend by 5 mins. and they don't even realize it because they are so focused and engaged. Have a great school year!
DeleteSarah Williams-Chapel Hill Academy
ReplyDelete-My favorite collaboration activity that I have used with my students is Four Corners. This is a good fit for my students because it gets them out of their seats, while also challenging them to think and prove their answers.
-A strategy that I would like to implement in my classroom is the Questioning Protocols. I have had various activities where students use question stems to generate questions, but this kicks it up a notch! I especially like the variation mentioned of Think-Pair-Square-Share because it allows space for the students to generate questions individually and in other groupings as well.
I like the Think Pair Share because it makes scholars think, sometimes, outside the box. When they walk the room and compare ideas and thoughts they may even decide their answer isn't the best one and cause them to rethink it. Sharing ideas helps them to move forward in their development.
ReplyDeleteKay Clabaugh
Timothy L. Johnson Academy Fort Wayne. IN
My favorite collaborative strategy from this chapter was Four Corners I know this would work really well with my first graders as it would allow them the opportunity to move around, interact with peers whom they may not normally have conversation with and have hands on engagement.
ReplyDeleteA strategy that I would like to use with my first graders is Peer Critiquing. I think it would be good for the kids to understand that it’s okay to give constructive feedback to their friends without being mean or hurting their feelings and taking that advice to improve upon what they are working on. This gives everyone an opportunity to be an important part of each other’s learning and growth.
Heidi Hilt
AAA Fair Avenue
Columbus, Ohio
Some strategies I use from this chapter include, Think Pair Share and Four Corners. I use Four corners and ask students to discuss with someone in their corner and someone in a different corner to get different perspectives on their answers.
ReplyDeletePriority questions is one strategy I would like to use in my classroom. My students have lots of questions in First Grade so I would like to use this strategy to help them think about what is the most important parts of the lesson we are learning.
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DeleteI think the priority question strategy is great to use for kindergarten and first grade! Its a great way to help them visualize what questions are important to the lesson!
DeleteAllison Kelly PLA 103
Angela Posey @ PLA 103 Chapter 6
ReplyDeleteThe strategies that I really enjoy using is the Inferencing, Jigsaw, and Four Corners. I have uses these strategies in large group instruction. These strategies really drive higher order thinking. Employing these strategies during small group instruction would help to facilitate the students understanding of the process and help the students use higher order thinking.
I would use a graphic organizer for the inferencing. These strategies will transfer to the students’ comprehension of the subject. I would employ these strategies in Reading and Math.
Think-pair-share is obviously one of the best collaborative strategies for all grade levels. This exercise provides not only an opportunity for scholars to learn from their peers, but also for the teacher to collect data on mastery of the skill that was being taught during the discussion.
ReplyDeleteI love the four corners strategy. I used in my kindergarten classroom numerous times. It got the students moving around and communicating to others. Another strategy I love and I am looking forward to using the think-pair-share strategy. This strategy also allows students to collaborate. It also gets students thinking about the question asked and to collaborate with others on an answer. I am excited to use this strategy in small groups this school year.
ReplyDeleteAllison Kelly PLA 103
Four Corners is a classic go-to kinesthetic & high level activity that is great for scholars. Yes, sometimes students will go where their friends are, but creating engaging choices that align to the lesson objectives, make for great discussions and written responses.
ReplyDeleteI will encourage my teachers to use the variation of Four Corners - Think-Pair-Share Continuum because I like the pre-work ahead of the group engagement activity. That will provide more focused discussions and higher level thinking.
I love utilizing the four corner strategy in the library, as enables students to collaborate and a large space. We are lucky to have a large library, so this is easier to implement than some of the smaller classrooms. Scholars have done well collaborating with one another, rather than just engaging with friends, so it has proven effective in the library.
ReplyDeleteI would like to implement peer critiquing within the library, something the older scholars have enjoyed in the past. It would be possible to lesson plan this strategy for younger scholars, as many scholars have found it beneficial to do these sort of peer reviews when relating to library lessons.
For the evaluate level strategies, I really liked the peer critiquing strategy (32). I work hard to build a culture of error and support where constructive feedback is freely taken and given in a positive manner. I think scholars, when asked to analyze others’ work or presentations, they will be more apt to be focused and quiet when they are not presenting, but also will know exactly what everyone is looking for and can meet those expectations. As a few others have mentioned, this strategy ONLY works if that supportive culture is strong in the classroom. Otherwise, you can have feelings hurt and cause a disruption.
ReplyDeleteI am going to implement evaluate around the circle jigsaw (33). A major part of media literacy, particularly in 6th grade, is to evaluate its credibility. This strategy explores credibility of a text or media by having scholars research one question and then returns with the information to their home group. Each member of their home group relays their new knowledge and together they decide if the source is credible based on their new shared knowledge. This strategy is really cool because it allows scholars to be supported by peers (and teacher) the entire time, but still holds them accountable to understand/relay the information to someone else.
Stephanie Bell - PLA @93
My favorite collaboration strategy from this chapter is four corners. It is a great fit for my scholars because it can get them up and moving (less seat wiggling) and let's them share their thoughts with classmates without having to speak in front of everyone. It can take awhile to get an entire class willing to participate orally in front of everyone, so this is a good first step! I've used this strategy before to review for a test, frontload a unit, and a back from break activity.
ReplyDeleteA strategy I plan to use in my classroom this year is media analysis. I really liked the graphic organizer in figure 6.11 and want to tweak it to use. Students often have trouble finding reputable websites at the beginning of the year and the organizer can assist them until their confidence builds.
Ashley Pierce - 7th Grade @ JRP (Indy)
Some students feel safer and more relaxed when talking in small groups, rather than having to speak in front of the entire class. My favorite strategy is the Think-Pair-Share activity, which gives scholars the opportunity to feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts. In addition to fostering social skills, this strategy also improves students' speaking and listening skills. When pairs brainstorm together, each student learns from their partner. This can help students expand their vocabulary as they learn new words from their peers and build on their prior knowledge.
ReplyDeleteI will implement graphic organizers within my classroom. Students can break down the process into manageable steps. This will help them make valuable connections, make learning enjoyable and interactive.