Close Connections

Source/Reference: Dewitz, Carr, & Patberg, 1987 Description of Strategy: Delete key words or phrases from the text. Have students fill in the missing words or phrases by looking at the rest of the text. Have students underline the words or phrases that helped them decide what was missing. Discuss their answers with a partner. Suggested Application: This is a good strategy to connect background knowledge to the text. Adjustment: Delete less words and us a simpler text.

The Frayer Model

Source/Reference: http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/105137/chapters/Reading- in-the-MathematicsClassroom.aspx

Description of Strategy: A sheet of paper is divided into four quadrants. In the first quadrant, the students define the given term. In the second, they list facts they know about the word. In the third, they list examples of the term. In the fourth, they list non-examples or draw the symbol that is the representation of the term.

Suggested Applications: Can be used to help teach new musical terms or theory concepts. Adjustment: Students can only fill out two of the four quadrants.

Musical Hangman
Source/Reference: Benjamin Caesar Description of Strategy: Students play Hangman using musical terms, if the class wins then they student up front has to explain the term and if the class looses they explain the term. For a twist it could be played teacher VS. students. Suggested Application This could be used in any subject area, would be a great way to help student learn vocabulary words. Adjustment: Students can be given simpler musical terms.

Spelling Bee
Source/Reference: Benjamin Caesar Description: Students have a spelling bee in the classroom using vocabulary words from the unit, students must be able to spell the word and give the definition in order to proceed on in the competition. Suggested Application: This strategy could be used in any subject or could be used as a competition between classes where the different classes compete to see which group can correctly spell and define the largest number of words. Adjustment: Students with difficulties spelling could just give the first letter of the word or be given the option of writing the word down on a piece of paper before spelling it out loud.

Word Wall
Source/Reference: http://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/word_walls/ Description of Strategy: When a new vocabulary word comes up in class students write it on a piece of poster board. Suggested Application: Any time a new vocabulary word appears in class. Adjustment: Student can make their own individual word wall page that they could keep on their desk.