SOS - Spotlight On Strategies
Discovery Education provides a list of many strategies (titled Spotlight on Strategies) that you can employ in your classroom. Most strategies are accompanied by a video that shows how to use the strategy, and often some suggestions for how to modify it. Strategies are organized into several categories, so explore the ones you think would be helpful for your subject area and classroom needs. (Log-in required)
Example 1: Fakebook
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Example 2: Can you guess my 2-1-4?
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Students create either a paper or digital fake Facebook account for a person or object of interest. The fakebook will feature facts about the person/object and include pictures or videos that may enhance the students learning about the person or object. This strategy could be used in several subject areas such as history, art, science or social studies. PDF Instructions (click here) Examples: Joan of Arc Bruce Lee |
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This activity can be created by either the student or the teacher. A teacher created activity would serve more as an introduction, whereas a student created activity could be used as a quick formative check on understanding, and accessing connections. For this activity, you need: 2 facts, 1 clue, and 4 pictures (of course you can modify this to your needs!). Tie these four items together into a visual presentation (you can use PowerPoint, Discover Studio, Publisher, etc, or paper and pencil!). Then share the visual with others! PDF Instructions (click here) Examples: 2-1-4 Sherman 2-1-4 Judaism Vocabulary |
Example 3: 3 Truths and 1 Lie
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Students are working with three true statements and one false statement. There needs to be an explanation as to what is true and why, as well as to what is false and why. This can be used as an introduction to a class or as an activity to review learning. PDF Instructions (click here) Example: Math Activity |
Interactive Word Wall
Example of a Word Wall
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Word Walls can be more than just a decoration in your classroom. It can become an interactive center where students can explore the meaning of the vocabulary they encounter in your class. Some ideas for how to implement this are below:
QR code word: You can use QR codes with your words to direct students to learning resources centered around that word. This could include a link to the word in Discovery Education's Interactive Glossary (Science or Math) (must be logged in), video, or image. QR Vocabulary Introduction: Create a shared Word or PPT document in Office 365 and share the document. Use the option to share the document with a link, and create a QR code from that link (or post the link itself on your word). This document allows for students to collaborate and come up with a definition together. You can allow them to add images, videos or text to the document to help define the word. These would be great study aids as well. |