Guiding Thoughts on Readings

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 OTHER TIPS: GUIDING THOUGHTS ON READINGS

Guiding Thoughts on Readings

Shared by: 

Renee Ziolkowska, Elementary Education

Materials needed:

Chart paper and markers

Learning challenge addressed/predictable outcome:

Students will be able to contribute to class discussion by writing a response on chart paper as they walk into class.

Best used for:

The start of class; readings assigned for class; classes with 30 students or less (can be modified for larger classes)

Learning objectives/skills fostered:

Students will be able to respond to the readings for class and this will facilitate a better class discussion.

What to do/how to do it:

Place 2 pieces of chart paper on different sides of the classroom and write a different question or comment on each that is applicable to the readings for class that day. This can be something specific or general. As students walk into class, ask each student to write a response on one of the pieces of chart paper. Once class begins, read and discuss the responses briefly with the students. During class as the students discuss the readings bring in the ideas/responses the students wrote on the chart paper to the conversation.

Tips for implementing:

For larger classes, you may want to have more than 2 pieces of chart paper.