For the first time ever, the "busy" of the beginning of the school year wasn't my own, but My Girl began Kindergarten and that has completely taken over our home life. I'm just now taking a breath.
Today I want to discuss giving students a choice in the classroom. I teach a GT pull-out program and my students like having a choice just as much as reluctant readers do. Choice also seems to give them a feeling of being "grown up".
I'm sharing an example that I used in my own classroom. My mini-lesson was Asking Questions. I began by choosing 5 different short non-fiction passages. Based on the passage, I posted an "I" statement.
Students put their names on post-it notes and attached it to the statement that they identified with the most.
Their readings were inside a folder marked 1-5 and once the students got into their groups, I passed out the folders and let the groups read the passages and write questions that would spark new learning. Finally, my students presented their questions to the class. I must add that since every group had a different passage, the audience was engaged and listened closely to the presentation.
Choice Menu's don't have to be the only way you give student's choices. What is one way you give choices in your classroom?
I encourage my kids to partner read, and they enjoy having a choice with their books. It leads to high engagement. Recently, I offered three options for a writing assignment. It was a persuasive essay, but they were able to choose from three prompts. Choice is a huge motivator! Great post and welcome back, Deniece. Haven't heard from you in a bit, and I totally understand why. Your little bug needs you. :-)
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