Extending Thinking

Card Sort

I have created Card Sort placements to show the versatility of this activity. Each group will get to see  four examples:

1. Branches of the Government

2. Renewable and Nonrenewable Sources

3. 8th Grade Math STAAR questions

4. Geometry: True, Sometimes True, Never True

Slides link

Compare/ Contrast Model

We will have a couple of options for this activity.

First, I created a digital activity using Jamboard. Using text boxes or sticky notes, we will compare and contrast Adverbs and Adjectives.

Now let's model that same activity with plates. We are using white plates and will use the following markers:

Black: Topic plates (Adverb & Adjective)

Blue: Adverb only

Red: Adjective only

Purple: both  Adverb and Adjective

We will then rotate to other tables and try to add information to there Connect the Dots posters.

I do have a digital option in Jamboard available.

My example used the characters from Because of Winn Dixie, Charlotte's Web, Holes, and Wonder. With this activity, we can compare and contrast characters from one book or combine them together to compare/contrast across the different texts.

You can have your own copy here.

Double Decker Discount

This may be one of favorite activities.

We are going to use elementary sight words (Dolce and Fry for example) for this one.

Slides link

If you want to really get the kids thinking, consider these websites: 

https://wodb.ca/ 

https://www.quia.com/pop/5125.html

https://wordwall.net/en-us/community/which-doesnt-belong

They have "Which one doesn't belong?" graphics that can be easily inserted. There is no correct answer. The thinking occurs in the reasoning. Each group could choose a different one that doesn't belong.

Idea Shuffle

We are going to use Khan Academy for our Idea Shuffle questions.

When I post the question, you will jot your answer down on an index card.  We will now trade cards at least 5 times.

Read the response on the card you have. On the back,  score it using the follow:

• 3 = excellent!

• 2 = good!

• 1 = getting there!

We now trade cards again (at least 3 times). Score your new card on the back. We now trade for the last time. Score the card you have again. This time, tally the total score on the back.

Participants will share ideas and/or answers from those cards that scored 8-9.

Link It Up

The Alamo events can all be used with a sequence link or in some cases cause/effect. The goal would be to link them all together in the correct order.

Resource

 The character study of Ramona the Brave can be linked by character description first. Additional connections could then be made using similarities and connections by students.

Solid Liquid Gas is a great opportunity to see connections made all the way around.

Slides link

Matching Double Trouble

We are going to practice our number system for Matching Double Trouble. In your groups, cut out the cards and group. Each group should contain a matching word, description, and visual.

Nine Squares

I am going to share an image(s) with you. Using the Nine Squares document, you are going to note:

• 5 facts/details

• 2 inferences

• 2 valid conclusions

Presentation Images

Now imagine how you could incorporate this with a reading passage, article/blog, chart, or graphic in your classroom.

Odd One Out

Talk a Mile A Minute

We will use the Google Slides displayed to the right.

Split up into partners. One will face the presentation. One will have their back to the presentation.

For your own copy, click here.

Three's A Crowd

Each student, pair, or group will analyze the images provided. They need to find something that only two have in common. They  must then search for a third item that matches the commonality of the first two. Place the images on the corners of the triangle and write a comparison statement in the center.

To extend the activity, you could ask them to take the item that did not match and create a new triangle finding others that match

I have made a digital edition of this activity. Link Here

Note: There are multiple ways to play most of the dominoes. Make sure you can justify your moves with your table partners.

Would You Rather...

In your groups, you will have time to discuss your A or B options. Using the cards you will share your choice with the group at the same time. Be prepared to justify your response.