Activities
Jigsaw
In order to give all students access to the various discussions that will take place, the teacher may use a Jigsaw method in groups. Students should be randomly placed in groups of four; this will be the students home group. Each student will be assigned a letter from A-D. The teacher will assign a different reading excerpt for each letter. For example, group A may read the fifth paragraph. As students are reading their assigned excerpt, they will sit with their expert group. The expert group is made up of individuals who are reading the same text. Once the expert group is finishing reading, the group will decide upon important facts from their text. The facts can be written on a jigsaw template. As experts, students then report back to their home group to share their facts.
This strategy allows all students to access the discussion. Since students are not reading the same passage, everyone has something to contribute to the discussion. In the same matter, everyone has the opportunity to listen. With this strategy it is important that the culture and climate of the classroom are conducive to student-led discussions. The teacher should take time to establish norms about how to respectfully agree and disagree with one another. It may be helpful to assign roles or jobs within the discussion groups. While the students are discussing, the teacher may move from group to group trying to capture the essence of the discussions.
Role Play Interviews
In order to monitor and assess comprehension of students as excerpts from Up From Slavery are read, students may engage in interviews. The teacher should place the students in pairs. It may be helpful to place students of various reading levels together so that students may help each other. As a class, model some questions that they want answered regarding Booker T. Washington. Once a list of questions is derived, have the pairs create additional questions and also determine the answers to those questions. If questions have not been answered in the text already, some pairs may choose to research their questions on the Internet or in books provided by the teacher. After all answers have been determined in pairs, students decide who will be Washington and the interviewer. Depending upon time, each pair may present its questions and answers in an interview style in front of the whole class. If time does not permit, divide the class up so that two pairs are presenting at the same time.
Dance
This activity will appeal to the bodily-kinesthetic learners. Before beginning this activity, the teacher should choose at least four excerpts from the mentor text, Up From Slavery. The excerpts may be a few paragraphs. As a whole class, read one excerpt not to be chosen by a group, and discuss its meaning. Ask students the questions, how could this be interpreted through dance? Would the dance moves be graceful or choppy? Explain.
The teacher should place students in random groups of four. Each group will receive a different passage to interpret through dance. As students create their dance to accompany their passage, the teacher will monitor the discussions. Once completed, the students will showcase their dances with their group in front of the class.
Resources
SMART Goals
Source
Kiwanis Kids “SMART Goal Worksheet”
Jigsaw Template
Source
Tim Vandevall “Jigsaw Puzzle Template”
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