Instructional Strategies
Word MapFor vocabulary words, students write the word in the middle circle. Then, as they learn more about the word, they write the definition in their own words, draw a picture of it, use it in a sentence, and an example. To read more about word maps and templates visit:
Reading Rockets-Word Maps
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I Have, Who HasA game for vocabulary or math or could even be used in subject area. Each student has a card with one vocabulary word and a definition that does not match the vocab word on the card. So when one student reads "who has" and their definition, the student whose vocabulary word on their card that matches that definition will say "I have"... and then read the definition that is on their card to see who has the vocab word. For example, one person's card might read "who has the day of the United States independence?" and another student will have the card and says "I have the Fourth of July... Who has...." and then another definition is read and this continues until everyone has gone.
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Word WallA word wall can either be a bulletin board or even a page in a binder that students keep for themselves. It's a way to keep track of all the vocabulary words or importants words that they have learned in class and can look back on and study.
Reading Rockets |
Think, Pair, ShareStudents are given a topic to think about or a question to answer. First they think to themselves their ideas and answers, then they turn to their partner and discuss what they thought, and then the class shares all together what everyone discussed and they all work together to find an answer to the question that was posed to them.
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FoldablesThese are neat little folded paper into booklets and shapes that help students organize their notes. It's a fun way to get students engaged. See the video below for some foldable ideas.
There are more foldable ideas at this site as well: Foldables
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ArtifactsArtifacts are real items that are primary sources. They are pottery created by Native Americans or stone tools or arrow heads or anything that was really used way back when to teach about history. It's a way for students to hold history in their hands and use it to make sense of history for themselves rather than just reading it from a book.
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Create a BrochureTeachers can have students create their own brochure to tell about a place, event, or person. This would be a good way to organize notes or assess what students have learned. Students could create a geography diary like the one linked below to show the differences between the different themes of geography.
There is also a website where you can create your own brochure online:
Brochure |
Vocabulary BINGOStudents are given a BINGO board that they fill in with their current vocabulary words. Then the teacher reads off a definition and students mark on their boards the respective vocabulary word. If they get 5 in a row, they yell "BINGO!" (the game can follow any Bingo rules the teacher wishes such as four corners). There is a website that teachers can use to make the bingo boards for their class ahead of time if they wish: Vocabulary Bingo
or use the following link:
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Primary ResourcesThe library of congress website has countless primary resources. There are articles and speech recordings and photographs and drawings. This is much more meaningful that just reading the information from a textbook. By showing students primary resources they become the historians. They have to figure out for themselves what it is they are seeing and what it means to history. Students could go on a scavenger hunt through the library of congress webpage or webquest.
Library of Congress
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GeohistogramA geohistogram is a timeline that shows major events that occurred around the world throughout time. Not only does it show when these major events occurred, but also where they occurred. It can be used to show students what happened through time and space.
Geohistogram |
3, 2, 1This strategy has students write on a piece a paper 3 terms they have learned, 2 things they would like to learn more about, and 1 thing they think they have mastered (this can be changed up in any way: have them write 2 things they learned and 1 question they still have, etc.)
There are many many more learning strategies at beesburg. |
SynecticsThis is a graphic organizer in which students create analogies. It allows students to make connections with their vocabulary words. They write the definition, what is similar to it, what it feels like, what is opposite to it, and an overall theme from all of these subtopics (synthesis). For more information, check out this graphic organizer site: Synectics
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