low prep strategies for multi-level classes that volunteer tutors can use
TRANSCRIPT
Low Prep
Multi-level Strategies
Burgen [email protected]
For use by volunteer teachers and tutors in adult literacy classes
Agenda• Orientation to the Topic• Whole Class Strategies• Strategies for Extra Support• Strategies for Extra Challenge• Applying the Strategies
Advantages of a Multi-level Class
It’s true to life.
Students can learn to work
well cooperatively
and independently.
Lower level students have
more role models. Higher level students
take on leadership roles.
A continuum of learning
opportunities. There is no right or
wrong starting point.
Assess Current Abilities of All Students
How do I start a new email message?
??
General and Whole Class Strategies
Provide Information in Multiple Formats
Time Limits
Call on Students with Tailored Questions
How many chairs did Goldilocks try, Mario?
Check Comprehension
Why did Goldilocks like the Mama bear’s things,
Habbibo?
Why do you think Goldilocks thought it was ok to go in the
cottage, Lee Pa?
Start Easier and Build To More Difficult
Show me 1:00.
Show me 1:15.
Show me 1:07.
What’s your name?
Where do you live?
How do you like Minnesota?
Answer at Least…
Answer at least four questions and keep going if you have time.
Assign Pairs of Students
One a bit more skilled in the topic.
One a bit less skilled in the topic.
Off to work I go!
Use Lots of Routines to Foster Independence
Extra Support
Break Down a Task Into Smaller Steps
Read the story and answer the questions.
• Review reading vocabulary• Ask questions about the picture and the topic
• Read aloud while student listens• Read aloud while student follows along with a
finger
• Echo reading—repeat a line after the tutor• Silent reading
Make Abstract Ideas More
Concrete
Pictures and Props
Sentence Starters or Frames
When it is cold out, I like to _______________.
____________ is going to ___________ this weekend.
BanksWord Bank
Idea Bank
Question BankArmLegHeadBackTooth
RentBedroomsUtilitiesParkingStorage
Is it inside or outside?Is it full time or part time?Do I need a college degree?
Dictionaries
A Cheat Sheet or a Head Start
Work with a Partner with Similar Abilities
Extra Challenge
Show What You Know without the Extra
Support
_________ is going to ______ this weekend.
Provide Models and Examples
for Other Students
Keep Going• Tell me more about that.• What is another way to do that?• Can you ask Sonya another
question about shopping?• Write two more.
Fill in the Blank with a Different Word.
You can write to your family by ______.
•email•mail• text message
Move the Blank
You can __________ your family by email.
• Write to• Send notes to• Visit with• Share pictures with
Add or change something
You can’t write to your family by email.
You wrote to your family by email.
You quickly wrote to your family by email.
Add or change something
• Adjectives• Verb tenses• Prepositional phrases• Plurals• Negatives• Add a sentence to a story• Add labels
Critical Thinking Questions
Critical Thinking Questions
• What do you think?• Why?• How do you know?
Applying the Strategies
1. Choose a scenario.2. Write one strategy per sticky
note.3. Match sticky notes with the
scenario. 4. Repeat with another scenario,
as long as there is time.
Getting More Specific with Strategies
1. Choose one scenario.2. Brainstorm a specific activity for this
teaching context.3. Choose one to three compatible
strategies.4. How would you use the strategy with
this activity? Include plenty of detail and specifics.