Thinking about old tees reminds me of a teaching strategy that has been around for a while...the T-chart. It is an efficient strategy as it can be used with a variety of subjects, in a variety of ways AND students can be coached to create t-charts for themselves. What you say? Students can create their own t-charts without teacher-direction?! Indeed. Long live t-charts and self-directed-learning! Let's begin.
First, a t-chart looks just like the name suggests, a "t." Actually, a lowercase "t," to be exact. You and/or your students fill in the descriptors, criteria, elements, etc. on the top line of the "t." I used an old classic, "What does partner work look like and sound like?" You may be smirking, but how many times have you expected your students to work successfully and diligently in pairs or small groups to soon find out they lack the necessary skills to do so effectively. In comes your handy-dandy t-chart.
Then, either individually, in pairs, small groups or as a whole class fill out the t-chart. I often times like to start with individual brainstorming first and then move to pairs and larger groups. That way, each student individually has an opportunity to process their ideas and the t-chart at their own pace - this would be especially true for students with special needs or English language learners. A finished t-chart might look like this.....
(By the way, the English teacher in me wants to add "s" to Looks like and Sounds like. I will refrain.)
I adore using t-charts to....
- Discuss pros and cons
- Explore what something "Looks like" or "Sounds like." This would be super in a science lab setting.
- Good and evil in literature, politics, or life!
- Compare and contrast
- Opposites
- Cause and effect - If, then scenarios (This is especially helpful to discuss how a student might handle a situation. "If Sandy tries to pick on you during lunch, then..." "If you do not have Internet access at home, then.....)
T-bars? T-birds? Model Ts?
How do you use t-charts? What other ideas for t-charts do you have? Please leave your brilliant comments and ideas below in the comments section (so adequately named).
Off I go to t-chart the universe and upcycle a tee. My sweet husband kindly cleaned out his t-shirt drawers last week for me. Now, my cup runneth over with cycling tees from every road and mountain bike race in our region.
T-otally happy,
Jen
