5. Carousel Brainstorming

Allows students to brainstorm solutions to problem.

• Teacher breaks students into five groups; each group works with one sheet and proceeds in clockwise direction to the next sheet with music as the prompt to move from sheet to sheet
• Teacher uses prompt until all students have “worked” all sheets

6. Think Pair Share

Allows teacher to ask a question and have student respond individually and work with class peer.

Steps:

1. Question is presented
2. Student works alone
3. Student shares with peer
4. Class discussion may follow

Colored chips or numbers may be used to “pair” students
Variation (for skill building activities): Group 3 students together, instead of pairs. Each student takes a turn being the “observer” while the other 2 share. Observer can give feedback on how well the skills were demonstrated. Rotate roles so that all students can practice skills.

7. Dominoes

Allows teacher the opportunity to organize the activities of teams of students. Teacher prepares
question and answer cards for lesson content—question on one card, answer on another. After
instruction, teacher passes out the cards to students and students “search” for the peer who has the
answer to the question with which they have been presented.

8. Word Find

Teachers access Internet sites to develop word find puzzles that relate to key terminology.

9. K W L

Activates students’ background knowledge and uncovers learning interests. Have students respond
within a columnar format, recording on newsprint or the board.

K Knowledge (student background)—What does the student already know about the topic?

W What may be interesting to student to learn?

L Learned content (following lesson)—What has the student learned?