Student- Centered Activities For the Secondary Classroom

Individual Activities

Alphabet Brain Storm Assess Prior Knowledge Effective for Broad Categories Focus Student Learning on What They Need BEFORE: Around the room, tape up pieces of copy paper with 1 letter written at top of each page

THE ACTIVITY: Students rotate to write a response with their identifier; must write something on every sheet. After carousel, students walk room and choose 1 to research (provide research questions to guide them); write name beside choice; limit 2 students per choice Students cannot choose own response Students create numerous types of products; essay, illustration, flipbooks, poster, short story, etc. TOPIC: DISNEY MOVIES

Cube Toss Increases Student Engagement Effective for Any Topic Differentiation/ Tactile Learners BEFORE: Decide if cube is used for research, product, or both Assign Topic(s)

Topic: Olympic Events Product: Representative Mural THE ACTIVITY: Toss die to each student or have them come up and roll dice (depending on instructional choices) Cover what numbers mean; make them write number on the product before you show the chart Topic: Olympic Events Product: Representative Mural

Research 1 Describe It (Size, color, etc.) 2 Compare It (Similar to or Different from?) 3 Associate It (What it makes you think of) 4 Analyze It (Break it into smaller parts) 5 Apply It (How it can be used) 6 Argue for/Against It (take a stand) Product 1 Flyer/Brochure 2 Poem 3 Comic Strip 4 Song 5 Mural 6 Skit

Partner Activities

It’s in the Details Builds Descriptive Abilities Enhances Analysis Abilities BEFORE: Everyone number paper from 1-10 Do not look at color paper until told to do so Do not let your partner see what’s on color paper

GO!! THE ACTIVITY: Can only give a clue 1 sentence at a time. Partner writes what they think you are describing after each clue Only get 10 chances; total 4 minutes Reverse roles Can turn into a game (odd/even desks, boy/girl, rows, etc.) by group with quickest correct answer GO!!

Follow the Directions Increases Perception Skills Demonstrates Need to Identify All Aspects Builds Analytical Skills BEFORE: One person look at color paper Do not let partner see what’s on the color paper

THE ACTIVITY: You will have 3 minutes to get your partner to draw exactly what is on your color paper by only using descriptive cues Reverse roles Check for: correct image?, paper turned the right way?, drawing in the correct spot on paper?, correct size?, anything missing? GO!!

Small Group Activities

Word Sort Vocabulary Strengthening Builds Cognate Identities BEFORE: Label paper sacks or containers with category titles; minimum of 4 categories Either print/glue or write vocabulary words onto ½ size index cards Divide class into teams Need a stopwatch or clock with seconds hand

Music, Sports, Art, or Games THE ACTIVITY: Arrange cards upside down on either table or floor (the kids like 52 card pick- up style) Students race from their desk to the cards and sort them into correct category Each word in wrong category adds 5 seconds to their time; fastest time wins! Music, Sports, Art, or Games

Whole Group Activities

I Have the Answer! Great for Content Review Keeps Student Focus BEFORE: Prepare index cards (can use colors or white) Write in one question per index card on one side Divide cards into two piles Write answers from questions one pile onto backs of the other pile; repeat using other pile Place a checkmark on a question side of one index card (this will be your start point)

THE ACTIVITY: Movie Quotes Divide kids into two teams Give each team one pile of index cards Can have more than 1 card, but every card must be used Whoever has a checkmark on their card raises their hand This will be the starter The team reading the question can challenge an answer Teacher is deciding factor! Every wrong answer is 1 point Team with lowest points wins! Movie Quotes

Notes (Picture Method)

Notes (Graphic Organizer Method)