T-Chart

Thanks to Ellie Purdy for sharing this tip!

Purpose: To practice vocab, categorize info, use effective communication skills, and have fun.

Prep Time: 5 minutes, if you already have flashcards ready.

Materials Needed: T-chart with two categories that fit your unit topic such as Clinic/Emergency Room, Winter/Summer, Rooms/Furniture, or Perishable/Not Perishable; flashcards/word cards from the unit of study.

Preparation: Assemble T-charts and flashcards.

Procedure:

1. Review the vocabulary students will be using. Use a projector to show each vocabulary card and elicit the word the class. If you don’t have a projector, you can hold the vocabulary cards up for the class to read.
2. Use a projector to show the T-chart, or draw a T-chart on the board. Hold up a flashcard. Think out loud to model how to decide where to put the card in the chart.
3. Call on a student to place another card in the chart.
4. Repeat step 3 with another student.
5. Give pairs of students a T-chart and a set of flashcards to categorize.
6. As pairs finish, have them compare their answers.