submitted by Denise Caywood

1) Use preview skills to look through the unit ( this like a picture walk for younger learners) and we develop questions from titles and subtitles and list on large chart paper for answering later.

2) Handing off activity: I use a small (beanie baby frog) object to hand off to the speaking student while others listen. We brainstorm all we know about cooperation and competition and use our knowledge to compare and contrast both; after arriving at a conclusion of sometimes both are good and often competition can go too far and become hurtful – We focus on "teamwork" and cooperation.

Once we have established that were are becoming one "Team" and the class should work together, I include some team building ideas from Kagan – that cross the curriculum linking reading with the scientific process.

3) Tower Builders: architects are like scientists in that must think out of the box and test different variables to find what will work best.

• We gather multiple pieces of construction paper in various shapes and sizes.
• Students are divided in to groups of 4 and asked to work together to build the tallest free standing tower they can in 2 minutes
• To win their tower must be measured and stay standing long enough to be measured. This emphasizes cooperation and and the underlying theme of friendly competition. It’s great – the kids will request several chances to change variables ( like folding and tearing paper) the possibility of improving their tower. You can even lessen the construction time.
• My rules are that they must not use glue, tape or scissors at any point!

Afterwards we revisit our question/concept board and discuss.

4) I use an activity with tennis balls, Also from Kagan.

• I ask " Can anyone juggle" sometimes there is some one who actually can but then ask them to add additional balls – up to three; at this point allow them to partner.
• We continue to add to the complexity by adding tennis balls and helpers until we have the entire class working together and using about 6 tennis balls or more( this is very difficult) at one time. ** Be sure they make eye contact or get the attention of their intended receiver. It becomes very challenging to not let the balls drop but the kids really get into and want to make it work. They will request chances to play again all year until!
• Each time is a chance to revisit using teamwork/cooperation!

Denise Caywood
Mill Creek Elem.
Lenexa, KS
Shawnee Mission School District