Eggs-elence In Your Classroom
With Great Expectatons
March 2017 Newsletter
Click below to enroll in GE Summer Institutes
Texas Institutes:
June 5-8 Eagle Mountain - Saginaw ISD, Chisholm Trail HS
June 27 - 30 Coppell ISD, New Tech@Coppell HS
GE Word of the Week:
03/06/2017 - 03/12/2017
Word of the Week
chasten - to discipline for the purpose of making better
Quote of the Week
One of the most difficult things to give away is kindness, it is usually returned. - Cort Flint
Life Principle of the Week
Friendship - Caring for and trusting others
Looking for a Fresh Poem During Transition?
A Friend is a Treasure
A friend is someone we turn to,
when our spirits need a lift.
A friend is someone we treasure,
for our friendship is a gift.
A friend is someone who fills our lives,
with beauty, joy and grace.
And make the world we live in,
a better and happier place.
By Author Unknown
Ideas for to Increase Student Engagement
Response to Learning - Before, During, After Learning:
- Turn and Talk
Two students (elbow buddies), sit knee to knee/eye to eye and discuss a specific topic for
approx. 1-3 minutes while the teacher listens in on various groups.
- Micro lecture
Teacher delivers instruction in small chunks of information (approx. 30 seconds) followed by student restatement or summarization of the learning.
- Gestures
Create “sign language” or body movements to represent a concept, skill, or signal.
- Thumb it
Using thumb up, thumb to the side, or thumb down as an instant assessment/response from students. It also serves as a quick check for understanding and full student participation.
- Fist of Five
Students use their fingers and thumb as a Likert scale, indicating their level of understanding. The scale can be posted on an anchor chart in the classroom.
5 = I know it so well I can explain it to anyone
4 = I can do it alone
3 = I need some help
2 = I could use more practice
1 = I’m only beginning
- Oral Cloze
The teacher gives a statement without completion or drops a word. Students chorally complete the thought or fill in the missing word.
- Pinch paper
- Face the Fact (Happy, Straight, Sad)
- Yes/No
- Multiple choice
Students fold a sheet of paper in a hot dog (long and skinny) then continue to fold into the appropriate number of boxes for the above choices. Students will draw or write necessary symbol, letter, or word in each box. In response to the teacher’s question, students will hold up their column of paper and pinch the selected response.
- Conversation Circle (A, B, C)
A group of three students is formed and seated in a circle. The circles are used to improve communication. The teacher assigns a specific topic or idea for discussion.
1. Students assume A, B, or C names
2. “A” starts talking and continues until given signal (i.e. switch)
3. “B” continues with the topic until signal
4. Then “C” picks up the topic until signal
5. Continue rotating the “talker” until no more facts or ideas can be added to the
topic or the time allotted is over.
- Thermometer
Students extend an arm straight up. Using the opposite hand, they indicate their level of understanding, as if their arm is a thermometer. As their hand moves up the extended arm, so does their level of understanding.
- Speedometer Reading
Students extend both arms to one side. Keeping the bottom arm stationary and stretched out parallel to the floor, the top arm moves like a speedometer reading 0 mph to 100 mph indicating their level of understanding.
- Quick Write on a White Board
All students have a dry erase board, small chalkboard, or white paper on a clipboard and simultaneously respond or answer questions posed. Allow a reasonable amount of time for students to jot their response. Then signal students to display their response/answer collectively with a quick check by the teacher. The teacher reveals and discusses the correct response/answer.
- Spoons
Each student is given a plastic disposable spoon. Response choices are written on each side of the spoon. Students use the appropriate side to reveal their response.
- Comprehension Check
As the teacher meanders around the room, he/she listens in on groups of students to check their level of understanding.
- Clipboard Feedback (OHT/Paper)
While monitoring for comprehension, the teacher notates observations for specific feedback and/or further instruction.
- Look, Lean, & Whisper (variation of Turn and Talk)
Turn to your elbow buddy, look them square in the eye, lean forward, and whisper the requested response.
- Donut
On a piece of paper or a dry erase board, draw a donut shape. On the outside shape write, I am learning. On the inside shape write, I Know
Groupings:
- Deck of Cards
Utilizing a standard deck of card, distribute in someway to students for grouping purposes: Group by color, suit, face cards, numbers, odd/even, etc.
- Animal Sounds
Using an assortment of animal picture cards, distribute them to the group. Students determine their animal card and mill around the room making the sound that animal typically makes, finding the others making the same sound. Confirm with the picture on the card. Group is formed!
- Four Corners
Teacher presents a topic, statement, or open-ended question with four responses. Each corner of the room is allocated for one of the possible responses. Students move to their chosen response and discuss.
- Two Sides
Teacher presents a topic, statement, or open-ended question with two responses. Each corner of the room is allocated for one of the possible responses. Students move to their chosen response and discuss.
- Three Musketeers
Teacher presents a topic for discussion or review. Students hold up their arm with the palm of their hand facing out. Students move around the room until two other palms are touching theirs, forming groups of three: “three musketeers.” The group of three engages in conversation around the topic until signaled.
Thirty Active Engagement Activities in 30 Minutes
www.asainstitute.org/.../19-30ActiveEngagementActivities-in-30-Minutes.doc
Dates to Remember in March
Debbie Kerrigan - Instructional Coach
Email: debbie@geok.org
Website: greatexpectations.org
Location: PO Box 1710 Tahlequah, OK 74465
Phone: 682-226-1985
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Great.Expectations.Foundation
Twitter: @djkerrigan