Engaging+Stations+for+Student+Success

//__**Engaging Stations for Student Success**__//


 * Concepts, not whole class lessons--3-4 students in a group, work together collaboratively to learn something
 * Each station should be no longer than 15 minutes;
 * Snapshots; get the kids focused on a topic for 10-15 minutes; typically a difficult topic to teach
 * Great for differentiated learning--including the gifted and talented.
 * Also great for discipline problems, because even your most disruptive student is focused for a short time because of the quick engagement of an interesting activity...Task and time limit lessens disruption opportunities.
 * Teacher can be a station as well--a processing station. This way you can check if the kids are understanding the topics by asking specific questions.
 * Nobody can hide in these small stations.


 * Station Creation:**
 * Use to review for tests;
 * Do not use more than two days in a row; give them a break.
 * Can be on the wall; technology based.


 * Making Stations on your own: **
 * Topics:
 * 1) Choose topics wisely; make sure they are suitable for stations.
 * 2) Topics must be narrow and focused; do not want them to be too broad.
 * 3) Topics must be able to be broken into sections, and then made into separate stations.
 * Activities:
 * 1) Vary them
 * 2) Should not detract from the content
 * 3) Must be completed in a short time
 * 4) Should be no more than four stations/class.
 * Must be a thought process for them to go through during the station
 * 1) Have a thorough and understandable set of directions.
 * 2) Should be explicit with order, so kids can process.
 * 3) Always try to simplify.
 * Make it easy to grade; not too complicated for the kids.
 * 1) Have a "teacher station", to help gauge kids understanding during the activities
 * 2) Ask questions
 * 3) Check answers on the handouts
 * Use professional learning community for help; perhaps colleagues can help create these for you.