3) How do you use scaffolding to support your students' learning?
The first thing that I do is look at a KWL chart and then we discuss what we know about a particular subject. For example in LA we know about puncuation and capitilization but we may want to know what specifically has to be capitalized and the appropriate puncuation. One game I have played is human sentences where the kids will make a statement and then someone else will respond with the appropriate end puncuation. Another idea is that you can write sentences on white boards and match up with the person who has the right end puncuation.
I also break steps down and have students repeat what was said to them back to me and then to each other. We also play a lot of board games to go with what we are studying, hullabaloo has been a favorite and helps with our listening skills and social skills.
4) What are some specific, intentional steps you take to promote student engagement?
Asking them open ended questions that they must give me more then a yes/no answer to, having them greet each other in the morning, giving younger ones harder work so that the older ones will want to help them and the younger ones feel more challenged. Acting as if I do not know the answer to a ? that I know they will know or saying a word wrong (this can backfire)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteYour strategy of having students repeat back what is said to them or having them summarize what they've learned is such a simple thing that makes a huge impact. Not only does it help students learn and remember the material, but students also need continuous practice of listening and speaking skills. I have found that to be a deficit with many of my students.