Students are learning French as a second language. In this activity, they planned a skit from start to finish.  They created the plot, the script and executed the actions of the skit in a second language.  They had to collaborate to achieve the end result. They had to work together to prepare and practice. They had to demonstrate communication in a difficult situation: a problem with the credit card at the bank.

It is important to note that their communication profile in their first language would be significantly more advanced.

This lesson is called Save Fred! Fred’s boat has capsized and he needs the students’ help to get his life preserver on, which is under the boat. The students are given regular paper clips and they can only use those tools to help Fred. The surface of their desks is the ocean and Fred cannot fall in.  This is a great team building and problem solving activity. The students collaboratively discuss and plan their rescue. After the mission the students review their plan and see where they could make changes or what ideas they could try again.

The student asked if she could teach her classmates how to make handprint turkeys. Using classroom materials, she got them all started and supported and supervised their work. Throughout the session she was quick to support others’ ideas and assist them when they had questions.

This was recorded during a one-on-one reading intervention session.  The student is in grade 5 but just beginning to read. With scaffolding, he is able to offer relatively detailed information about a picture. Communication and the ability to form meaningful imagery using language is foundational for learning important school based skills like reading.