1. Student- Centered Activities For the Secondary Classroom

2. Individual Activities

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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

7. 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

8. Partner Activities

9. 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

10. 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!!

11. 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

12. 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!!

13. Small Group Activities

14. 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

15. 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

16. Whole Group Activities

17. 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)

18. 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

19. Notes (Picture Method)

20. Notes (Graphic Organizer Method)