New week, new layout! We've been doing a lot of work in discussion groups and I wanted to incorporate a new design. I decided to attack the new layout on Friday (I know - what was I thinking?!) and to my surprise, some of my students who stay for an extra-curricular activity popped in to see me. They were so excited when I showed them the different formations on the key Kelly gave me that I ended up standing back and letting them put the pieces together! It was even better when they arrived yesterday to oooh and ahh over the new arrangement. To make use of the new layout, I had them complete question cup. In this activity, I gave them critical thinking question stems to help them formulate higher level thinking questions. As they read (we are currently on chapter 5 in The Outsiders) they come up with three critical thinking questions using the stems. They write their question on a post it along with their name, and page #. Then, in class, they fold the post its and place them in a cup. In groups, they take turns drawing questions, discussing them, and writing down a well-rounded response. I was so impressed by some of their questions today. They were asking their peers to explain their answers, and to find text evidence. Not to mention making these really creative connections that I had never considered after reading the book! This layout seems to really promote group discussion. A little bit of feedback they've given me this week: I am finding that they students almost always prefer the green benches/couches. They prefer the chairs on wheels that do not have the automatic wheel locking safety feature. It is hard to fit more than 3 people at the round table. The students don't care for the taller chairs on wheels because the seat is too flexible. They say it makes them feel like they're going to fall or slide out of it. They love that the white tables are dry erase and can flip over to share work!
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December 2016
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