4/21/22
"Walk It Out" is an activity protocol I have used in almost every subject area to get students out of their seats and working together. This type of protocol is not uncommon. Similar to a "graffiti", "galley walk" or "carousel", the idea is to get students moving around the room in a structured activity. In a traditional carousel, there are different questions or topics posted on butcher paper placed on walls around the classroom. Students visit each in a timed rotation and add their thoughts.
"Walk It Out" is a carousel with a twist. There aren't many differences between a carousel and what I have come to call "Walk It Out", but revamping an activity that has become slightly monotonous doesn't always require a dramatic shift. Sometimes the answer is quite simple.
During "Walk It Out", I write different questions or topics on posters and place them on walls around the classroom. Students visit each (or at least a majority) of the posters in a timed rotation, but instead of just adding their thoughts, they have a very specific contribution to make during each rotation no matter the poster they are visiting.
How To:
Create and post several (6 - 10) posters around the classroom each with a different question or topic at the top. Students rotate around the room in groups (suggested max: 2 - 3) visiting each poster for 3 - 5 minutes. During each round of the rotation students are instructed to do something different with the poster they are facing.
Ideas for Implementation:
Math Problem
Round 1: Solve the problem.
Round 2: Solve with a different method.
Round 3: Make corrections to the previous two solutions or add details (diagram the problem).
Round 4: Draw a visual to represent the problem and solution.
Round 5: Write an explanation.
Round 6: Make corrections to the visual and written explanation OR Write a similar problem.
Reading Response Questions
Round 1: Write the sentence frame.
Round 2: Answer the question.
Round 3: Answer the question in a different way than the previous response using the same frame.
Round 4: Answer the question in a different way than the previous two responses using the same frame.
Round 5: Write the strongest answer combining the 3 previous answers.
Round 6: Edit the strongest answer.
Round 7: Add a citation to the 'strongest' answer.
Round 8: Evaluate the 'strongest' answer.
Round 9: Identify 5 key vocabulary words in the answer.
Vocabulary
Round 1: Define the word.
Round 2: Write a list of synonyms.
Round 3: Write a list of antonyms.
Round 4: Use the word in a sentence.
Round 5: Draw a picture to represent the word.
Science Concepts (you may want to allow students to carry a device or printed resource with them to each poster)
Round 1: Write a paragraph about the concept.
Round 2: Sketch the concept.
Round 3: Label the sketch to turn it into a diagram.
Round 4: Highlight 5 key vocabulary words in the paragraph and diagram.
Round 5: Write related 'wonderings'.
Social Studies Timeline (add a timeline template to the poster and allow students to carry a device or printed resource with them that will help them contribute to each timeline).
Round 1: Add the first event to the timeline. Make sure to include a timestamp.
Round 2: Add the second event to the timeline. Make sure to include a timestamp.
Round 3: Etc.
This protocol gets students collaborating and communicating with their group while also asking them to think critically as they analyze, critique and revise the work of others. During this activity students are actively working around the room and the pace of the movement from poster to poster tends to keep them on task. They are also challenged as each poster they visit contains a new prompt, and they have a variety of experiences applying their knowledge and demonstrating their skills as each round requires them to make a unique contribution to a poster.
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