A Teaching Strategy Linky

My bloggy buddy Mrs. Patton over at Mrs. Patton's Patch is hosting a Teaching Strategy linky party. While we are all so tempted to only worry about decorating and cuteness for the first couple weeks, it's important to think about our teaching.

 

One strategy I always love to use with my firsties is to simply have them do a "Buddy Chat" for a minute or so. They find a friend sitting close by, number off 1/2, and then I give them something to buddy chat about for 2 minutes. Person number 1 goes first for 1 minute (give or take some seconds) and I tell them to "Switch!", and then person number 2 talks for 1 minute (give or take). Then, I count down "3...2....1" and by the time I get back to 1, they have all faced their bodies back towards me and are ready to move on.

 

I like using this when I introduce a new topic to help access their prior knowledge (tell your friend 2 things you know about mammals). OR I'll use it after we've just learned about something (tell your friend 3 words that rhyme with hat).

 

It's just a quick and EASY way to get them moving, talking, and most importantly, thinking.

 

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Speaking of Mrs. Patton, that sweet lady and I met up yesterday to discuss and plan for our North Texas Blogger meet up! It's going to be so much fun! If you are coming, be looking for an e-mail sometime tomorrow giving you further details and instructions! We can't wait to meet all of you!

 

That's me on the left and Mrs. Patton on the right!