Sometimes I'll lead my students to some activities where they are expected to answer questions where they haven't been taught the content. How can this be valuable?
I've been doing some reading, and I've found some research that proves children really do learn from an activity that requires guessing. In fact, these challenges are good for them, and enhance learning! The key? Making sure they get immediate feedback.
If
the children are doing an activity where they have to guess at
something, it gets them thinking. Once they've thought about it, they'll take a guess. If they get immediate feedback, they'll learn!
It's just like watching Jeopardy! Every time I watch, I learn more facts, even when I didn't know them before I watched! Guessing helps the brain learn! (Thanks, Alex!)
This sort of activity can be repeated over and over. Each time it's repeated, they'll remember more. As they repeat the activity, there will be less guessing and more remembering!
This is a perfect type of activity for students to work on while you're working with individuals or small groups.
These are perfect for your "fast finishers" or children that need a little extra challenge after their work is complete.
Plus, reading random questions counts as reading practice. They do need to be reading every day, right?
Plus, reading random questions counts as reading practice. They do need to be reading every day, right?
They can work alone, but working with a friend brings valuable conversation! You know, the conversations that help them think through and remember information!
Did I mention how much the children love this stuff? Seriously, they love learning new material!
I know what you're thinking... but I'm having enough trouble fitting in everything I have to teach already! Yes, I know, but this isn't just "another thing to do." It's something to enhance what's already happening!
But what about the standards? Yeah, I thought you might be concerned about that one. I'll tell you a little secret:
Teaching isn't all about the standards.
Teaching is about enriching the lives of the kids.
Shocking, I know. Can you imagine if administrators heard me say that? Well, I'll tell you another little secret:
I'm not here to impress the administrators.
I'm here to make a difference in the lives of children.
Well, I'm not really that much of a rebel, but I really do want to make a difference in the lives of the children. (And yes, the standards DO matter, but there's so much more to kids!)
Now I suppose you're wondering where to find these activities that keep kids guessing!
Well, here's a freebie to get you started:
July Boom Learning Trivia and General Knowledge (Boom Cards)
Here's another fun Boom Learning resource for building vocabulary!
Country, Science Tool, or Sandwich? (Boom Cards)
Here are a few more:
Facts About Space (Boom Cards)
Black Americans Quotes "Who Said This" (Boom Cards)
Digital Science Topics Practice and Review Bundle (Boom Cards)
Most of these activities will enhance the children's knowledge with very little work on the teacher's part. Plus, teachers can see their results easily for all those Boom Cards!
Here are some links to articles about how guessing helps students learn.
How do you challenge your students beyond what they already know?
