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3-2-1 Carousel Brainstorming

Learning Logs and Journals RAFT Synectic

Summaries

Acronyms

Advanced Organizers

Analysis Matrices

Backwards Summaries

Bloom’s Taxonomy Summary Cubes

Body Analogies

Body Sculpture

Build a Model

Camp Songs

Charades

Concrete Spellings

Design a Test

Exclusion Brainstorming

The Frayer Model

Human Bingo

Human Continuum

Inner and Outer Circle

Jigsaws

Lineup

Luck of the Draw

Moving Summarizations

Multiple Intelligences

Partners A & B

P-M-I

One-Word Summaries

P-Q-R-S-T

Point of View

Socratic Seminars

TabooShare One; Get One

T-chart/T-ListSave the Last Word for Me

SQ3R

Spelling Bee de Strange

Sorting Cards

Something-Happened-and Then/Somebody-

Wanted-But-So

Unique Summarization

Assignments

Triads

Traditional Rule-Based Summaries

Think-Pair-Share

Test Notes

Word SplashSummary Ball

Verb? Change them!

Summarization Pyramids

3-2-1

•Write the numbers 3,2,1 down the left side of a paper.•Have students list:

•“3” new things they learned.•“2” things that confuse them•“1” way to apply what they learned in another area

Note: This can be expressed artistically and orally as well

Acronyms

Advanced Organizers• Provide students with a fill in the blank style advanced organizer as a scaffolding

move to serve as summarization device.

How to create one:Step 1: Write out a summarization outline for students.Step 2: Delete key words and phrases and replace with blank lines.Differentiate: Providing blanks that can contain many different answers also

challenges students!

Example: When dividing mixed numbers, we must first turn each mixed number into a _______________________________. Once done, we change the operation from division to _______________.Now we multiply the first fraction by the __________________ of the second fraction. If our Final answer is top-heavy or an ______________ fraction, then we rewrite it as ___________________________, and we reduce it to _______________terms.

Analysis Matrices and Graphic Organizers

• As you begin a unit or lesson, provide students with a matrix or another graphic way to organize the information they are about to encounter.

• This is a pre-learning activity.Example

Questions to Ask

Red Cells White Cells Plasma Platelets

Purpose?

Amount?

Size and Shape?

Nucleus?

Where formed?

Backwards Summaries• Offer the students summarization experiences in which you give them the final

version of something explained, performed, or presented well.

Example: A teacher would give a prompt such as… Can you make a web that this paragraph might have come from? Here is a completed math solution. What would happen if I never had this piece of

information?

Bloom’s Taxonomy Summary Cubes

• Distribute poster boards, rulers, glue, or tape and ask the students to make cubes where the sides are six inches long (or provide a template).

• Label the sides: Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis, and Evaluation• While students make cubes, pass out a prompt sheet where you post questions to

help clarify what is to go on each side.Example of Prompt Sheet:

Level Explanation Sample Prompts

Comprehension Show your understanding Can you explain how….?What is the difference between x & y?

Application Use knowledge If different situations

What would happen if we change…Offer a solution to the problem…

Analysis Break down the topics Can you defend the character’s actions?Which comment seems the most sincere?

Body Analogies• Ask students to form a group and determine how the lesson’s content relates to

some part of the body.• The connections makes the material personal to the student.

Example: Fingers & hands: represent artwork, dexterity, connections, etc.

This might be used in a discussion on machines or the branches of government. Rib cage/cranium: Symbolizes protection:

This might be used when discussing law enforcement , or the bark of a tree

Body Sculpture• After you have provided your students some information (read a textbook,

listened to a lesson, watched a movie, done sample problems) have the students get together and “sculpt” a specific idea presented in class.

• Students will work together to come up with the key concepts and then use their bodies to depict those concepts.

Example:One student stands as a fence, one paints the fence, and one sits and does nothing toSummarize a chapter from Tow Sawyer.• Teacher follows up by asking questions about the sculptures:

– Sample questions:• “Which sculpture best summarizes what we read (did) today?

Build a Model• Think of how what you are teaching (the key concepts) can be represented in

some sort of physical model. The models can be 3-D or drawn too.• Guide students by giving them materials and time to plan what their model will be.

Differentiation:Concepts can be modeled as well (these will be more abstract and harder)Vocabulary or physical concepts can be modeled (these are easier)

• Teachers can follow up with questions and presentations that compare the group models.

Camp Songs• Have students select a camp song from a variety and spend some time learning it.• Have the students replace the lyrics (but keep the tune) with ideas and concepts

from what you are teaching.• The first time you may have to spend some time writing a couple verses with the

class.• Poetry can work well in this manner too!Examples of Songs to Use:• Puff the Magic Dragon• Home on the Range• Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes• Boom-Chicka-Boom

Carousel Brainstorming

• Post newsprint or poster boards around the room that show quotes, questions, or concepts relating to the week’s learning.

• Break students up into groups and give each group a different colored marker.• Each group starts at a different poster/newsprint.• The groups will add ideas to the topic posted and then rotate to a new poster after

some time.• The groups must review the information at their poster each time before they add

something new.

Charades• Divide the class into two teams.• The teams break into groups of 3 or 4 (or pairs in acceptable).• Students will start by discussing key topics (presented by the teacher or not).• Students will then take turns making pantomimes that represent the key topics

discussed.• Students will switch off taking turns pantomiming and guessing what the

pantomime is.• Bring the teams back together and have them present their pantomimes to each

other.

Concrete Spellings• After representing classroom content and skills to students, identify essential

vocabulary terms.• Ask the students to spell the words in a way that shows their meaning.• Students can be invited to review and generate better definitions.Examples of Concrete Spelling:

Design a Test• Explain how teachers come up with test questions and review the various types of

test questions.• Have students generate multiple-choice, true and false, fill-in-the-blank, matching,

diagrams, short essay, analogies, and even inventing something new!• Once students have mastered writing general questions, have them make two

questions (with answers) on content being taught.• After mastering two questions, have students make a quiz or test on the content

and review it with a peer.• The teacher may choose to use well-constructed questions on the real test.

Exclusive Brainstorming• Write a topic sentence on an overhead or chalkboard, followed by a series of words.• All the words (except for one) should connect to the topic).• Students will work in groups to circle the words that connect, and cross out the one that

doesn’t.• The students will come together and explain why their circles what they did and cross out

the one they did.Example of Exclusive Brainstorming: Different Kinds of LiquidsMixtures: plural separable dissolves no formula

Compounds chemicals combined new properties has formula no composition

Solutions even mixture dissolved particles saturated/unsaturated heat increase

Suspensions: clear no dissolving settles upon standing larger than molecules

Examples Nonexamples

Essential Characteristics Nonessential Characteristics

The Frayer Model• In the center if the Frayer Model, have students record a topic to be summarized.• In the upper left corner they should record information pertinent to the topic, and

on the right side information that is NOT important.• The bottom left should be DRAWN examples and the bottom right bottom non-

examples.

Topic

Human Bingo• Start with a teacher-made bingo board (5 x 5 grid) with questions pre-written in

the square. Students can have B-i-N-G-O markers (edible if you like).• Read the answers to the questions and if students have the questions they can

cover them up.• Another version of this game can be played by having certain talents written on

the bingo card and then have students walk around the room gathering signatures from any students who can do the described talent.

• Then student names are called and players will cover the talent if that student signed that square.

Human Continuum• Place a line on the floor (using masking or carpet tape). Place arrows on both

sides.• Place a “A” for agree on one side by an arrow and a large “D” on the other end of

the line by an arrow for . In the middle of the line put a “?” for “I don’t know.• At this point you can ask students any questions about what they have been

studying and have them take a position somewhere on the line. Then ask students to explain why they are standing where they are. T

– The closer to “A” the more they agree.– The closer to “D” the more they disagree.– Not sure will be right in the middle.

A ?D

Inner or Outer Circle• Ask ½ the class to stand in a large circle, facing into the circle, with 2-3 feet

between students.• Ask the other ½ of the class to form a circle inside of the 1st, and to face someone

in the outer circle.• Once circle stands still, while the other rotates.• One group will have prepared content questions with them, the other will have to

answer.• The paired students ask and answer review questions, then one circle rotates so

new partnerships are formed. This can continue until each member of a circle gets to pair with each member of the other circle.

• Switch roles so one circle now ask questions and the other answers.• Questions should be written by students in advance.

Jigsaws• Present a major topic to a large group first.• Break major topic into subtopics and assign to smaller groups.Example: Main Topic: GermanySubtopics: geography, culture, industry, political system• Students will use materials and resources to gather and summarize information on

that topic. (creating a product keeps them focused)• Groups them come together and share their work with other groups and share

their information/product.• Essentially students are working together by focusing on one piece of the puzzle

and then putting it together.

Learning Logs and Journals• There are many ways to set up a journal/learning log, but entries should be made

several times of several days or weeks.• First, provide a learning experience and ask the students to respond in some way

in a journal.• Next, provide students with a list of prompts that they can personally respond to.

(prompts should take factual information and reapply it in a new and meaningful way)

Example of a Learning Log/Journal prompt:“What did Britain’s loss in the revolutionary war do to the rest of the empire? How would British subjects feel if they saw other colonies get their freedom?”

Lineup• Tell students that they are going to summarize a lesson by lining up to the criteria

you are going to set.• Give each student a large index card with information on one side. Have the

student read it and then hold the card so the audience can read it.• The audience will tell the students where to stand in lineup based on the content

of their card.• There should be 6-10 students in the lineup. • When the students are lined up properly, a new group can come up to assure

maximum participation.Example of Using a Lineup:• A teacher wants to review fractions. Each student is given a fraction on a card and

asked to lineup from the fraction with the least value to the fraction with the highest value.

Luck of the Draw• Each day, students prepare a written summarization of what’s been covered in

class or in their reading.• The teacher picks one name from a hat and has the student read their previous

day summarization. The rest of the class with critique it and the student whose name is picked will explain their summarization.

Variations of this activity:• If a student is shy and doesn’t want to speak, a classmate can read it for them or

copies can be made and passed out to the class.• Giving students a free pass to opt out of reading their summary may allow

students one change to not present a summary if they feel their most recent entry is weak or lacking detail.

Moving Summarizations• Students will come up with hand/arm gestures to summarize events covered in

class.• Students will be presented with a list of content covered in class.• Students will take turns coming up to the front and attempting to demonstrate a

hand/arm movement for a piece of information and have them explain what the movement means.

• Repeat often and allow all students to practice their moving gestures.Example:If we were studying the American Revolution, and the fact we wanted to representwas the Stamp Act, a student might pound their fist in their hand to make a stampingmotion on paper.

Multiple Intelligences• Review with students the terminology for multiple intelligences. Use the

intelligences that seem the most appropriate for your content.• Choose one or two activities per intelligence and have students engage in them

during a unit of study.Examples of Multiple Intelligences in Summarizing:Linguistic: debates, word games, writing, tape-recording, conversationsLogical-Mathematical: time lines, math problems, “what if” questions, brain teasersBodily-Kinesthetic: hand gestures, sculpting, role playing, dance, pantomimeSpatial: collages, diagramming, videos, visualizingMusical: rhythms, compositions, writing lyrics, rap songsInterpersonal: mentoring, leading, discussion groups, cooperative activitiesIntrapersonal: connect school to real life, personal interest centers, journal writingNaturalist: nature talks and videos, categorizing, caring for plants and animals

Existentialist: ask BIG questions, create analogies, study beliefs, discuss philosophies

One-Word Summaries• Ask students to write one word to summarize a lesson’s content and then explain

why they chose that word.• As an extension, the class can record all the words and then narrow it down to its

top three (or more or less) and the collectively rationalize why they chose these words.

One word…I better choose a good

one!

P-M-I• Instruct students how to set up a P-M-I chart (shown below)

• Give the students a statement to consider about something you’ve instructed them on.

Example of a statement:“Students should go to school all year round”.• Students will fill in the advantages of the idea (+), the disadvantages (-), and

anything else that doesn’t fit into either into the interesting column.• Students can share these charts and make any revisions as they are needed.

Pluses (+) Minuses (-) Interesting

Partner A & B• First present the material you are instructing to the students.• After 15 minutes of instruction have students choose partners.• One student is called partner “A” and the other is “B”.• One student will begin my talking continuously for 1 minute about all the things

that were just talked about in class. The other students sits quietly and notes/handouts may be used if the student has difficulty.

• Partners then switch. The next speaker must not mention anything covered by the first partner.

Point of View• Ask students to retell or recount something they’ve learned about from a different

point of view.• To assist in this, break down a larger topic into key components, events, processes, etc.• Students will then retell what they’ve learned through a different point of view.• Students will share their point of view with classmates and explain their thinking.Example:

Students can examine the impact of dropping the atomic bomb by tell the informationfrom the point of view of the president of the United States, a resident of Japan,an American soldier, etc.

P-Q-R-S-T• Explain what P-Q-R-S-T means:

– P: Preview to identify main parts.– Q: Develop questions to which you want to find the answers.– R: Read the material, twice if possible.– S: State the central idea or theme.– T: Test yourself by answering questions (or teach the material to someone else)

• Use the “P” and “Q” as an anticipation guide for what you are doing.• Use the “S” and “T” to summarize what they have learned.

RAFT• This activity uses divergent thinking using the acronym R-A-F-T (role, audience,

form, time).• Present students with a RAFT table like the one below.

• Students will pick one element from each column and create and summary based on the format they choose.

Role Audience Format Time (or Topic)

Colonial Soldier George Washington Speech Present Day

British Soldier Judge Newscast 1700’s

Villager Children Travel Brochure Mid-winter

King George Newspaper Writer Posted Flyers Summer Vacation

Save the Last Word for Me

• Students must read a passage before an instruction and make notations if possible.

• Students will pick three or more sentences they want to discuss further. (This can be for any reason…anger, confusion, interest)

• Break students into smaller groups of 4 or 5 and allow students to take turns reading their sentences that were chosen. The rest of the group will comment on the sentence (agree, refute, support, clarify, comment, or question).

• The student who chose the sentence will get to offer their own commentary in the end, thus getting in the last word.

• The next person in the group goes. This continues until everyone has had a chance to share.

Share One; Get One• Present your lesson like you normally would.• Have students draw a nine-square grid, or present them with a pre-made one.• In any three squares ask students to record three skills, facts, or concepts from the

lesson.• Students will get up move around the room getting other students to fill in

additional facts/skills/concepts in the remaining squares. Each student is only allowed to fill in one square of a classmate, but they may do that to as many classmates as possible.

• When a student has all nine squares filled in, they can sit down.

Socratic Seminars• Students must first have information and a common frame of reference. This can be

achieved through discussions, field trips, labs, lectures, readings, research, simulations, videos, etc.)

• Sit students in a circle.• Students may have notes and materials on their laps for reference.• Teacher begins by throwing the first questions to the group (a provocative question), then

the teacher remains quiet.– 1) Teacher only talks to keep discussion going.– 2) To correct inaccuracies.

• Students will run the discussion, but must back up what they say with evidence.• Finish with a strong closing question.Pre-teach:Students will need to know how to write good questions, create good follow-up questions, and may need to be given a list of questions to ask to keep theconversation moving.

Something-Happened-and-Then/Somebody-Wanted-But-So

• Provide the following set of prompts (template below) to students before learning occurs.

Something (independent variable)Happened (change in that independent variable)And (effect on the dependent variable)Then (conclusion)• Students will create a summary sentence using the prompt for guidance.Students might read about a flood and write:“Heavy rains (S) washed away the soil (h), making it nearly impossible forplants to grow there (A) (T).”• Students can also use the other prompt if summarizing fiction:Somebody (characters)Wanted (plot motivation)But (conflict)So (Solution)

Sorting Cards• This can be used after you’ve taught something with multiple categories, such as

types of government, states of matter, science cycles, etc.• Place the categories on the board in separated columns.• Pass out facts on index cards that fit into one of the categories.• Allow students the time to work in groups to come up with the groupings for all

the facts.• Finally, have students address one fact at a time and have a group discussion

about where it goes!

Spelling Bee de Strange• Create two teams like a regular spelling bee. Have them alternate spelling words

aloud. • Instead of using vowels, the student will substitute strange sounds or animal

sounds that have been agreed upon by the class.• After the word is spelled, students will be asked to discuss the meaning of the

word.Example:Agree that “a” should be “achoo”, “I” should be “ribbit, ribbit”, “o” should be “oo-la-

la”, and “e” should be “thump”.

A student who is asked to spell “palindrome” would spell it:P – achoo – L– ribbit, ribbit – N – D – R – oo-la-la – M - Thump

SQ3R• Reading summarization strategy that works best with a chapter or a research

article.• SQ3R stands for:S – Survey – students read headings, titles, first sentences, graphics for an overview.Q – Question – Students turn heading and titles into questions to form a purpose for

reading.R – Read – Students read the text to answer the questions they made.R – Recite – Students cover their answers and recite the question while checking the

accuracy of their answers.R – Review – Students write a summary of what they have read using their questions

and answers, as well as the text to fill in any missing pieces.

Summarization Pyramids• Construct a pyramid of lines on a sheet of paper (see below). There should be 8 lines total.• Provide prompts for students to write summarization answers on the line. Short answer

prompts should be used for short lines and long answers for long lines.

Example of a Summarization Pyramid

Examples of Prompts to Use:Cause of the topic, one question you have, tools used in the topic, people thetopic effects, a synonym for the topic, personal opinion of a topic, etc.

Summary Ball• Present information in a standard lesson or format of choice.• After the critical portion of the information has been delivered, have the students

stand at their desks.• Toss an inflated ball to a student. When the student catches it they have three

seconds to state any fact, concept, or skill from the lesson.• The student then passes the ball to another student and the process repeats itself.• No information should be repeated. If a student can’t think of anything new, they

pass the ball and just sit down.

Synectic Summaries• After students have some experience with a topic, ask them to describe a topic focusing on

descriptive words and critical attributes.Example of First Step:Topic: Romeo and JulietBrainstormed Description: tragedy, parents, Montagues, Capulets, family feud,Verona,marriage, masked ball, Friar Lawrence, Nurse, Tybalt, Mercutio, poison, etc.• Next ask students to compare their list to another topic that is completely unrelated.

(Compare Romeo and Juliet to Items found in a Kitchen).• This forces students to create analogies and think deeper about the meaning of what they

wrote in their original list.

T-Chart/T-List• The T-chart is divided into two sides: Main Ideas & Details or Examples• Students should be introduced to some material to build background knowledge

before a lesson.• The teacher can provide students with either the main ideas filled in, or the

details, depending on what you want the students to do.• This established a structure for learning, and when it is done, can be an excellent

study guide.Example of a T-Chart

Main Ideas Details or Examples

The Native Americans created many things we use today.

1.2.

The English led to the decline of the Native Americans in North America

1.2.

Corn was a major staple in the Indian Diet.

1.2.

Taboo• This is similar to the board game, where students must guess a phrase (such as

latitude and longitude) without pointing, gesturing, or using any of that predetermined “taboo” words.

• To create taboo cards for study, use index cards. Write a key word or vocabulary word on top, separate them by a thick line, and then write 5-7 words below that the students would usually associate with the word.

Example of Academic Taboo Cards

Decimals__________

PointPlace value

Base 10Wholemetric

• To play you will need a timer and deck of homemade taboo cards.•Divide the class into two teams, and have representatives come up and try to get their team to say the word.•If a team member says a taboo word, the representative can use that word in their description.•Representatives should have one or two minutes to achieve their goal.

Test Notes• One or two weeks before a big test, announce to students that they’ll be able to

use notes dur.ing their test as long as the notes fit on a standard index card.• Students can write small, include diagrams and use anything that will help them.• (What will end up happening is students will review, eliminate, and prioritize their

information and probably not even need the card when the actual test comes.

Think-Pair-ShareThink• Ask students to reflect on a topic using art, writing, or just by sitting quietly.• Give students specific prompts to keep them focused. (Record three things you

learned today, How is this like _______)Pair• After a few minutes, ask students to pair up (or assign pairs).• One partner will share what they thought about while the other will ask clarifying

questions or follow-up questions.Share• The students will come together and share their thoughts with the class.Ways to share:

– Partners share the responses of their partners.– Partners agree on one or two things collectively to share.– The partners create some sort of product to share.– Partners may provide information that relates to a new teacher prompt.

Traditional Rules-Based Summaries• Traditional or Rule-Based summarizations have four steps:1. Draw a line through anything that seems unimportant.2. Draw a line through anything that is redundant.3. Replace specific terms with general terms (“flies, honeybees, moths” are replaced

with “flying insects)4. Determine a good topic sentence if one doesn’t exist.Way to Remember this Procedure:

Use “T-RG-TS” or TARGETST- Trivial (remove trivial materials)R- Redundancies (Remove redundant or repetitive information)G- Generalize (Replace list with general terms or phrases)TS – Topic Sentence (Determine a topic sentence)

Triads• Begin by asking one student a question (after a unit of study).• This student will be the first of three (a triad) to orally engage with the content.• Once the first student responds to the teacher question, keep your reaction to the

response silent.• Redirect the firs student’s answer to a second student and say “Do you agree or

disagree and why?” When this student answers pass the same question to a third student and allow them to respond to the second student’s answer.

• Finally, return to the 1st student and allow them to add anything else.• This activity encourages active listening and keep all students on standby thinking

about what is said and what they want to say.

Unique Summarization Assignments

• Simply put; provide alternative ways for students to create summarization products.

• Products can be written, artistic, drama, or any form of expression.Here are just a few ideas:

Artisitc Oral Legal Tech Historical Musical Perform Written Science

Book jacketsCD coversPost CardsPuppet ShowsCalendarsMenusMapsRubrics

CommercialPoetrySongsSermonsSpeechesRadio PlaysInterviewsOdesRebuttals

CertificatesContractsResumesWillsPolice ReportsJob Applications

E-mailPower PointWeb SitesSpread SheetsTelegrams

BiographiesDiariesFamily TreesHeadlinesNewspapersSlogansTime Lines

ScoresOdesRequiemsSongsRaps

PlaysScriptsSatiresSpoofsMonologuesSequelsSoap Operas

FlipbooksJokesRiddlesMagazinesStoriesJournalsDiariesEvaluations

ComparisonManualField GuidesLab InstructionsWeather Forecasts

Verbs? Change Them!• Write down what you want students to summarize (How the moon effects the Earth).• You can ask straight forward questions (prompts) or you can do something more…• You can create different, more meaningful prompts if you use other verbs beside

describe and list.

• Choosing different wording can lead to differentiating the summarization experience.

Verb Suggestions

Analyze….. Contrast……. Find support for… Predict…Argue against…. Create… Formulate… Rank…Assess… Criticize… Identify… Recommend…Argue for… Decide between… Imagine… Retell…Blend… Decide Between… Infer… Revise…Categorize… Deduce… Interpret… Show…Choose… Defend… Interview… Simplify

Word Splash• Identify the content you want students to know and make a list of key vocabulary

words and concepts associated with the content.• The words should be written randomly and in all directions. Tell students you just

wrote these words in no particular order (called a “Splash”).• Present your lesson.• Have students go back to the word splash and place the words in some logical

order. • Next, after the students have put the words in order, have them place the words

into sentences and create a paragraph about what they learned today.• This can be done in groups and each group can present and critique their

paragraphs for accuracy, completeness, and information. Choose the best one.