7 Steps to a Language-Rich Interactive Classroom by Seidlitz provides easy to apply strategies that help all students succeed. Create a new habit in your teaching by picking one strategy that you will intentionally use in every lesson. Randomized calling is an easy one to start with that will increase the level of engagement in your classroom. Here are some tips:
The most important part of randomization is to be prepared and pick a specific method that works best for you!
- Like Technology – consider a random name generator
- https://namepickerninja.com/
- https://www.classtools.net/random-name-picker/
- http://www.superteachertools.com/instantclassroom/random-name-generator.php#.W9OBtHtKiw4
- Low Tech? Ask your principal to order you Popsicle sticks or tongue depressors from the BISD warehouse. Write students name on each one. Separate sticks for each class by putting them in labeled cups.
More ideas can be found here:
Using Dice – https://www.teachingchannel.org/video/increase-student-participation-getty
Color Wheels & Cards – https://owlcation.com/academia/Teaching-Methods-Randomization-Techniques-in-the-Classroom
Card-o-matic – https://www.teachingchannel.org/video/student-participation-tip
Don’t forget – make it okay to be wrong!!! Give options to use notes, anchor charts, “phone a friend”, ask for more information, etc. If you let a student “pass” or ask a friend be sure to come back to that student and ask them to say the answer again in their own words.