Kirk+Crow+Strategy

Kirk Crow**__ Strategy #1: Poker Chip Reading (General) __** __Instructions__: Teacher walks around the classroom randomly placing colored poker chips in front of different students. There are three different colors of chips and each color represents a task the student must do. In my classroom the 3 tasks include the following: ·  **Blue chip**= read the next paragraph ·  **White chip**= Ask a question about the paragraph that was just read ·  **Red chip**= tell the class something you found interesting from the paragraph While the other student is reading pass out another blue chip so the next person can begin reading the next paragraph without stopping. Handout new white and red chips to students after the others have completed their tasks. __Purpose__: By using the poker chips students must be aware of what is being discussed and where we are on the note sheet. Students who do not follow along or pay attention are unable to complete their task and do not get to give back their chip. When this occurs they must tell the class about two interesting facts or ask two questions. Once students have the hang of the system and are following along the lesson runs very smoothly because there is no pausing or arguing about reading. By adding the white and red chips students must apply what is being read. __Teacher’s Role__: The role of the teacher is to introduce the lesson and the rules of the chips. Write on a dry-erase board or chalk board what each color represents. Make sure students are clear of the instructions. You can ask for a volunteer to start or walk to a student and hand them a chip. While that student is reading pass out one or two white chips and one or two red chips. Before the first student stops reading pass out another blue chip so the reading continues after the students with the white and red chips complete their tasks. After students with the red and white chips complete their task collect their chips and pass them out to other students. This process continues until the end of the note sheet and all students have had at least one turn with a chip. __Frequently asked questions__: “Will we have to read and ask a question?” The answer to this is yes, students may get a blue chip one time and a white or red chip another. Students should only read once so that all students get a chance to read. If what is being read is lengthy then students may read more than once. “Can we trade chips with our neighbor?” The answer is no, students are stuck with the chip they are given. If students get caught exchanging chips they must do their chip and the other persons as well. __Things to think about__: If a student struggles to read then give them a red or white chip early on so that takes the pressure of reading off and they can relax. Give them a blue chip on a short paragraph to give them confidence reading. This was a strategy my methods professor at Shawnee State University told me about. Thanks Dr. Risner!