Tic-Tac-Tally: A New Review Strategy: Snip It #16

Tic-tac-toe, a game of chance? Not really. If you know to go, for the corners first, then ultimately you win the game, or at least stale mate. This uncomplicated, childhood past time, can also be used as a review game. It may seem simplistic, but actually, it is a great way for students to use a format they know and understand, but to bring another level to it. All you need is some paper, a writing utensil, and vocabulary words. I used giant butcher paper, but you could use standard computer paper too.

I wrote all of the 30 or so heredity and Genetics vocabulary, on the board. Each group of students (3-4) were given 9 words. Each word needs to go inside one of the 9 boxes, on a standard tic-tac-toe board. Then each group had to analyze and discuss how each were connected, and had to draw a line to connect them: horizontally, diagonally, or vertically. On the lines, they had to write, how they were connected. After they completed one game board, with 9 vocabulary words, they shared with a neighboring group and their neighbors had to decide, if the connections were authentic. Then they completed another board with 9 different vocabulary words, and so on.

The group with the most accurate connections between words, wins. I do not give candy as rewards but the competition was fierce. Especially with the GT kids. They like to win. If they were the winning team, they stood and shared all of their connections with the class. A three-fold review- small group discussion (purposeful talk) then collaborative groups, and finally, whole class review. What an amazing new strategy. Thank you to my IC, Lindsay Van Wyk, for sharing this with me. It all comes down to teamwork and partnership. This was an easy way to get them up and moving, sharing ideas, and of course reviewing vocabulary.