Puzzling States

Mr. Greninger's class is working to finish up their study of the Northeast region. Monitoring their learning, Ms. Leom realized they were not prepared for their States and Capitals test. So on Friday, students who were finished with their Northeast Notes, were invited to "play puzzles". Students worked in pairs or groups of three to put the pieces together. As each piece was laid into the puzzle, students were supposed to say the capital and the state.

On Monday, students were invited to make a "mind map". A general "picture" of where the Northeast states are located. After three minutes, Ms. Leom provided a list of the Northeast states and capitals names for students to use. At about six to seven minutes, Ms. Leom handed out the practice test. Sometimes a struggle, the inability to know where to start or pull the information from your mind, can help you focus on what you want to know. Students had another ten minutes to work on the practice test.

Students who successfully completed the practice test were invited to work on a State Research Project in class.

Students who continued to struggle, were invited to use a Social Studies text book, the maps on the walls, and fill in the capitals and states. Students could work with partners too, because the act of dialoguing about the states and capitals can develop connections and memories.

We WANT students to be successful! We are investing class time and monitoring student progress to make that happen.