Placemat
This strategy involves a high level of student
activity. It is motivating and keeps students involved. The strategy can be used
for multiple purposes.
Step 1:Divide class into small groups of 3 to 5.
Step 2: Give the groups a handout or “placemat”, divided into the number of sections as
there are group members . Additionally there is one box in the center.
Step 3: Theteacher gives the class a question, or topic to respond to.
Step 4: The students are given a set amount of time (perhaps 1-2 minutes, longer depending on the topic) to respond. The teacher sets the timer. The students write in the box directly in front of them.
Step 5: When the timer goes off, the students rotate the mat one place. The timer is again set, and the student responds in writing to what has been written in the section that is in front of them. (Students can agree, disagree, or share a new thought)
Step 6: Repeat the steps until everyone has written in each of the outside sections.
Step 7: The teacher asks the students to come up with a group agreed upon main thought,definition, or summary of the topic and write it in the middle box.
Note: The activity may be followed with an oral presentation or discussion with the whole group.
activity. It is motivating and keeps students involved. The strategy can be used
for multiple purposes.
Step 1:Divide class into small groups of 3 to 5.
Step 2: Give the groups a handout or “placemat”, divided into the number of sections as
there are group members . Additionally there is one box in the center.
Step 3: Theteacher gives the class a question, or topic to respond to.
Step 4: The students are given a set amount of time (perhaps 1-2 minutes, longer depending on the topic) to respond. The teacher sets the timer. The students write in the box directly in front of them.
Step 5: When the timer goes off, the students rotate the mat one place. The timer is again set, and the student responds in writing to what has been written in the section that is in front of them. (Students can agree, disagree, or share a new thought)
Step 6: Repeat the steps until everyone has written in each of the outside sections.
Step 7: The teacher asks the students to come up with a group agreed upon main thought,definition, or summary of the topic and write it in the middle box.
Note: The activity may be followed with an oral presentation or discussion with the whole group.