KAGAN of the Month
March 2019
Kagan Magic. How It Changed a Struggling Student’s Life!
I am currently a first-grade teacher in a Title1 school in Broomfield, CO. I took a Kagan workshop in October 2016, and then another one in January. I began instituting the Kagan Structures such as RallyRobin, Timed Pair Share, and RoundRobin, the week after I took my first Kagan workshop. I then watched the “magic” of the Kagan research and structures unfold in my classroom!
Specifically, one of my students who was seriously considered for retention in August due to his disruptive behavior and possible learning disability, began to respond immediately to the Kagan Structures.
I soon observed that he was no longer an outcast; he was part of a work team. He was held accountable for his work and contributions. His classmates responded to him by encouraging him, and they also realized that he was a valuable member of the team. This student’s demeanor changed remarkably! He started smiling and looking his peers in the eye. This student’s disruptive behaviors began to diminish as he was included and valued by classmates, and as they embraced the Kagan Structures and cheers. This student started performing better in all subject areas like he had never done before. Between October and January, he increased his state testing scores by 80 points! His confidence soared as he became an accepted member of the class.
Article by Kathleen Moroze
3rd - 8th Structure of the Month
Showdown
The March structure of the month is Showdown. A showdown captain asks a question from a card. Teammates answer the question on whiteboards and when signaled teammates all display their own answers. Teammates either celebrate, or tutor and then celebrate. Then the next showdown captain asks a question.
Showdown is great for team builder and knowledge building. It is great for review and processing information.
It's important that your modeling the expectations for how the team will function, including the showdown captains role and how the team should write and share answers. Make sure you model good coaching including Tip, Tip, Teach as well as celebration.
Kindergarten - 2nd Structure of the Month
Numbered Heads Together
Numbered Heads Together is the structure that primary grades will work on for the month of February. Teammates put their “heads together” to reach consensus on the team’s answer. Everyone keeps on their toes because their number may be called to share the team’s answer.
Numbered Heads Together is great for team building and knowledge building.
It's important that you're modeling the expectations for teams. Focus on when students should work independently and when and how students should share. Students will need to be taught how to reach a consensus as a team. Try it with fun topics before you use content.
Note From Your Coach:
Josh Van Tassel
Imagine Kissimmee Charter Academy
Email: josh.vantassel@imagineschools.org
Website: www.imaginekca.org
Phone: 407-847-1400
Twitter: @TheEngagingVT