Students recall what the author says in a text responding to a question. Then, the student responds with their own opinions, helping to make connections between the author's thoughts and their own.
Mix, Freeze, Pair
This strategy has students begin by thinking about their reading. Then students will match up with other students in the class to share their thinking.
Quick Write
Students will take a moment to write and reflect on what they have learned. Students can keep these quick writes in a journal. They can turn it in to the teacher or discuss as a whole group.
3-2-1
This helps students respond to a reading, movie or activity and can prompt class discussion. On a piece of paper, the student will write down three things they have learned, two questions they still have and one aspect that they liked or enjoyed.
Four Corners
Label each of the four sides of the room as Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree and Strongly Disagree. The teacher will present a statement and the students will choose a corner they feel reflect their view on the statement. The class can engage in discussion of their answers.
Text Rendering
The students fold a piece of paper in half and fold one half over again (one half and two quarters). On the top half, students write a sentence about the text they read. One one quarter, students write a phrase to narrow their thoughts and then the last quarter is just one word about the text.
Response Journal
Each student will have journals where students can respond to open ended questions before, during or after a lesson. Students can reflect on what they have learned and allow this allows students to put their thoughts onto paper.
Square, Triangle, Circle
In this strategy, students draw a square, triangle, and circle on the side of a piece of paper. Next to the square, students write their previous knowledge about a topic, three things to remember next to the triangle, and finally, any remaining questions go next to the circle.
Write Around
Students are given a topic or question to write on a piece of paper. Students pass their paper's to the student on their left. The student then responds to the original writer and makes their own comments.
K.W.L Chart
Students first write down what they already know about a topic. They will then continue to write in the middle column what they wonder about the topic. After they read or study the topic, they will write down what they learned.
Jigsaw
Each student or group reads a section of a text and become masters of that section. Then, students will bring their knowledge together with other students who read other sections.
Mix, Freeze, Pair
The teacher will tell the students to mix around as the students walk around the room. Then the teacher says "Freeze and Pair." Students will then pair with one person near them and discuss.
Exit Card
At the end of the day or lesson, students will finish the sentence, "Today, I learned..." and students will turn this card into the teacher. The teacher can see the responses students come up with to gage their understanding.
Line Up REview
Students will respond to a question or comment on on a paper or think about it. Then students will line up in two different lines. Students on one line will share their thoughts, then students in the other line will respond with their thoughts. Partners can shift so students connect with new students.
Literature Circles
Students are given a role as a professional in their topic. Students are put into groups where they can inform other students on their topic.