How to get a quick view of skill levels in an overcrowded classroom
Grades(s) 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects(s) Arts, Computers & Tech., Language Arts, Health & Nutrition, Math, Music, Physical Education, Reading, Science, Social Studies
Objective
Students will demonstrate a variety of reading, drawing, listening, copying, imagination, and copying skills on ten quick questions, allowing teacher to flag those most likely to need help or succeed independently.
Materials
1. Pencil with eraser
2. Reproduced copy of ten questions on lined paper for each.
3. The first question reflects ability to listen and recall for dictation, and use punctuation. (Always dictate a sentence containing a few common misspelled words.) This one can be changed for far-space copying ability, as well.
4. One question should reflect local knowledge (Where are the best french fries in town? or Where is the coldest water fountain on campus? etc.)
5. One question should reflect drawing skills (draw Micky Mouse, or draw a pyramid, etc.)
6. Ask one question about the title of the last complete book read. (or letter/email written, or tweet, etc.)
7. Ask a math question or vocabulary question. (How many in a gross? or multiply 12 x 12)
8. One question must be about general science news (Where is the Hubble telescope? or What causes a tsunami?)
9. Name the healthiest food you can eat. (or Name a blue food, etc.)
10. Ask if exercise were required, which would be chosen.
Lesson
Ten minutes start to finish.
Construct 10 questions with categories in mind (see objectives).
Reproduce for number of students in session, with one extra for future file.
Instruct each to have fun with the questions but try their bests.
Be sure there is an extra activity or quiet desk work for those who finish early.
Pass out copies.
Mark start time on board and reduce by the minute.
Call time.
Collect.
This questions on this lesson can be changed every day for two weeks. Pass the questions out at the beginning of class and you will have fewer tardies, a quieter class atmosphere, and gather more information about each student to mine for further lesson planning.
Assessment
Make a grid of the ten types of activities.
List the upper case initials of each student who might need help.
List the lower case initials of those who did very well.
Put two symbols in pencil in your gradebook (circle, triangle) next to the two groups.
Review the results in two weeks and erase all the symbols.
Reflect on your judgments.