Frayer Yourself

One of my favorite EduProtocols is the Frayer Model.  While it was not created by the EduProtocol folks, many of you may recognize the model. It is traditionally used with vocabulary work. The word or topic goes in the middle with 4  quadrants that include a description, examples, nonexample, and images- there are many variations. You can complete this on paper or online. In their SMART Start, they suggest starting with Frayer a friend as a great way to get to know each other.  But we are in December, and I had a fourth-grade class  (thanks to Carla and Jamie Lynn) Frayer themselves.  We then gave the students the option to share one of their quadrants (who knew there would be a student wo didn’t like chocolate!).  The next day, we repeated the process with winter.

So what did I learn?

1.  My fourth graders needed a little help with time management.  The first time many got so involved with drawing their dream pet, they hardly had time to finish. I would give more time checks to help them move along (or have them do the drawing last!).

2. Several of them suggested this would be a good beginning-of-the-year project.

3. When I asked how we could use it in class, well, it did take a little prompting but they did see how it could be used for vocabulary words and other topics.

If you are looking for additional Frayer information, please see my Wakelet here.

Sketch and Tell Eduprotocal

So what’s an EduProtocal?  This concept (developed by Jon Corippo and Marlena Hebern) uses a framework (or process or routine) to teach a lesson. Once the students learn the protocol, you can swap out the content for a new lesson. I recently joined Mrs. Visone’s second grade class for our first EduProtocal lesson.

The students learn the protocol (or process)- in this case, we did a Sketch (where they had a few minutes to draw) and Tell (again, a few minutes to write after brief partner discussions) about their  favorite frozen dessert.  After a quick review, we did it again (this is part of the Eduprotocal strategy- repetition) where they completed the activity describing their talent.   Mrs. Visone shared their work (via a document camera). Please see the samples above.  Next week when I visit, we are going to complete another “fun”( i.e.,low content load) Sketch and Tell before we move to classroom content.  While we completed this one on paper,we might move completing this using Google Slides.

If you are interested in EduProtocals (Thins Slides, CyberSandwhich, Fast and Curious, and Math Reps are a few of my favorites), I’ve started a Wakelet with resources.  If you are in district, reach out - I would love visit your class.

Edu Protocols (The Fast and the Curious)

When is a good time to try something new?  Some might argue never (or seldom) but I would argue this is the perfect time of the year to try something new.  Not only do students (and teachers) need a break from the routine but September is almost around the corner.  I would rather try something new now while there is still time to tweak it to meet my students' needs.

With that in mind, I’m re-reading a book I purchased last summer ( EduProtocol - Field Guide Book 1).  Don’t let the word protocol scare you.  Protocols are lessons or frames (processes, let’s say) that once you and your students learn the process (or protocol), you can substitute content to create another experience.  Think of protocols as frames- you don’t need to purchase a new frame every time you want to change the picture.

I bet there are already protocols you use in your class today. I know there were in my class- but these protocols didn’t always have the 4 Cs in mind ( Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity).

So are you ready to try an EduProtocol?  The one that caught my eye is the Fast and the Curious. This is a fast-paced method to help students learn vocabulary words. Here is an overview in slide format.  Every day the students play an online quiz ( I would suggest Quizizz) and you review and track their overall progress. Would you rather have a video description? Here are more Wakelet resources (EduProtocols Wakelet,  Fast and Curious Wakelet )

I would love to try this with you and your students- just reach out to me.

Math Reps

You might know this practice as spiral or distributed learning.  It offers additional practice to help students strengthen core skills. Think of it as an entrance ticket. While researching Edu Protocols (more on that in a future post), I came across this brief video from Stephanie Howell as well as Wakelet of resources.  There is also a Facebook group.