Have you played the popular app game 4Pics 1Word? The goal is to guess the common word that connects all four pictures that are shown on the screen. For example, what word do you think connects the four pictures below?
While trying to solve the puzzle, you were activating your prior knowledge about the topic, looking for similarities and differences, and summarizing your thinking into one essential word. This process is extremely beneficial for learners of all ages and helps to cement information. (If you guessed "sleep" you are correct!)
Tim and Melinda, partners in a co-taught Algebra class at Menasha High School, created their own 4 Pics 1 Word slide to teach the concept of transversal lines. They found four pictures that included the concept of “trans” – transcontinental, etc., and had students puzzle out the key word. Then the teachers presented an image of a transversal line and helped students make the connection to Algebra. All students were engaged and could immediately understand the meaning of the word “transversal.”
I tried it this week with students during a lesson on brain plasticity and growth mindset. I presented several 4 Pics puzzles I created, all around the lesson target (see one below.) As an added bonus, I explained to students that when they are puzzling something out, dopamine is released to increase sustained attention. Students were highly engaged and thinking analytically about the content! Thanks Tim and Melinda!
For more simple ideas, check out my newest book, Super Strategies for Everyday Teaching.
Tim and Melinda, partners in a co-taught Algebra class at Menasha High School, created their own 4 Pics 1 Word slide to teach the concept of transversal lines. They found four pictures that included the concept of “trans” – transcontinental, etc., and had students puzzle out the key word. Then the teachers presented an image of a transversal line and helped students make the connection to Algebra. All students were engaged and could immediately understand the meaning of the word “transversal.”
I tried it this week with students during a lesson on brain plasticity and growth mindset. I presented several 4 Pics puzzles I created, all around the lesson target (see one below.) As an added bonus, I explained to students that when they are puzzling something out, dopamine is released to increase sustained attention. Students were highly engaged and thinking analytically about the content! Thanks Tim and Melinda!
For more simple ideas, check out my newest book, Super Strategies for Everyday Teaching.
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