Chatterbox

Purpose

Students think, talk, and write to deeply analyze an assessment question and correct mistakes while playing with a Chatterbox.

Materials

• Assessment question
• Chatterbox handout
• Chatterbox template (English/Spanish)
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Choose a Chatterbox option from the provided templates or customize your own to create the handout.
2. Organize students into partners.
3. Give each pair a Chatterbox handout to cut/fold into a Chatterbox toy.
4. Project a troublesome assessment question.
5. Round 1:
   • Student 1 chooses a word on the Chatterbox; student 2 spells it out, working the Chatterbox.
   • Student 1 chooses a number; student 2 counts it out, working the Chatterbox.
   • Student 1 chooses another inside number; student 2 lifts the tab to reveal the question.
   • Student 1 answers the question; student 2 compliments or coaches.
6. Round 2:
   • Repeat step 5 with students switching roles.
   • Repeat for 6-8 rounds so each student answers 3-4 questions.
7. Observe students’ thinking and clarify/verify as appropriate.
8. Students summarize what they learned and note how to avoid mistakes in the future.

Classroom Management

• Model how to cut/fold/create the Chatterbox.
• Rehearse how to use the Chatterbox with a simple, fun question before using it with academic content.
• Consider using the activity as a learning station.
• Remind students there will be no harm or humiliation for incorrect answers because correcting mistakes is a sign of intelligence!

Differentiation

• Promote access by previewing the question and partnering with a supportive peer.
• Promote access by allowing the use of student/teacher notes/summaries of the content.
• Promote access by allowing a peer to read the question aloud.

Think It Up!

• Have students think more deeply about the concept by responding to a Think It Up prompt as an exit ticket or journal entry:
  • Draw a conclusion about how the Chatterbox questions helped you better understand the concept.
• Encourage students to use lead4ward’s Thinking Stems (English/Spanish) to frame their responses, if needed.