SPICE IT UP!
Authors call them a "hook" and advertisers call them an "attention getter". Whatever the label, the introduction to a new session/lesson is where you win or loose the audience! I can assure you of a productive lesson if you have engaged all learners (and their learning styles) through a creative introduction. The variety of strategies do not need to be elaborate at all. Just a little investment of thought power can bring good dividends for both the learner and the facilitator.
Here is a strategy that I have enjoyed using in recent days.
VOTE WITH YOUR FEET:
This strategy allows total class involvement both in movement and engagement of thinking skills. It challenges everyone to have an opinion ,or at least, a reason why. The application is very broad.
Basic Concept: All children stand. What does it mean to vote? Importance? Discuss. Explain that today we are going to be voting with your feet, after I make a general statement. Should you strongly agree with the statement, move to this side of the room, not sure, to the centre of the room and strongly disagree to the opposite side of the room. The wonderful part comes when you listen to the reasoning behind the child's vote. Use the Koosh ball and watch the discussion heat up!
This concept also works well with lower grades in the application of true/false statements. This week I used this strategy to heighten interest in a rather dull history lesson and associated workbook. Instead of an opinion, the children had to vote with their feet on which of the two outcomes they thought was realistic. As we moved through the text, I recorded key words and visual symbols that recounted the chapter. I was very impressed with the way the class then completed the written work of the chapter. The class feedback was most positive. Even I had fun thinking on my feet! Anything that allows the children to be true active learners is a winner for me!
Blessings for the journey.
Live, laugh and learn!
Carmel
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