Four byFour

Ahead of time, make up four by four grids with four
letters of the alphabet across the top, and four categories down the
side. Subjects can be pertinent to content area (i.e. engine parts, vet science terms, horticulture terms
etc.) Divide students into groups of four or five and give each group a copy
of the same grid. The groups’ task is to fill in each of the sixteen
blocks with one answer that fits the category and also begins with the
proper letter. (For example, if the category is “something you find in
school” and the letters are C, L, T, and B, students could write
cafeteria, lockers, tables, and books.) Groups score points only for
having answers that no other group came up with, which encourages
groups towork more quietly. This activity forces kids to think,
practice group decision-making, and to work together.

Building Blind

Students work in pairs or triads. One student is designated as the “leader”, the other students are the “builders”. The leader has visual access to a simple structure (made of Legos, tinker toys, or similar items), but the builders do not. Each
group also has a box of building materials identical to those used to make the hidden structure.

The task is for the team to duplicate this structure under two conditions: the builders cannot see the original structure, and the leader cannot touch the original structure or any of the building materials. The leader must direct his teammates using verbal cues only. This forces the leader to be precise in the directions he gives and forces the builders to use listening skills and follow instructions exactly.