True False Fix

When was the last time you gave a True/False activity? Most of us have moved away from  these. They give kids a 50/50 shot at guessing. They actually take time to craft carefully --- and if we don’t take time, they end up being ridiculously easy for kids to answer. That makes them low level.

But recently, we have found a new life for true/false statements! *Full disclosure! We still have to spend some time on them so they aren’t  super easy!

But the amount of thinking that goes into True/False/Fix might be worth it. You tell me what you think...

Higher Order Review: True, False, Fix

Prep:

1. What you need:
1. 10-20 statements that are cut out and that are true and false. (Pro tip: use different colors and Ziploc bags to keep each group’s stacks from getting mixed with another’s)
2. Timer (try http://www.online-stopwatch.com/classroom-timers/)
3. Blank paper (1 per group)
4. Writing utensils
2. Choose several statements that are higher order and true and false about the materials you are reviewing. (not “right there” statements)
1. These need to be separated into separate slips (cut outs) of paper so they can be moved around.
2.  Choose 10-20 statements, depending on the length of your class and your students.
3. Divide the students into pairs and separate throughout the room.
4. Allow them to create their own team names
5. Describe the expectations, rules, and processes of the review game.

Play:

6. Phase 1: Set a timer and begin! If the statement is correct, they move it to the left side. If the statement is incorrect, they move it to the right side.
1. They must have done this before moving onto the next step.
2. 10 minutes is enough time for them to read through it and separate.
7. Phase 2: Set a timer and have the students correct the false statements.
8. Phase 3: Go over the false statements with the class – this can be done by group, individually, or whole class. Don’t forget! Have the students correct the false statements.
9. 8.      Phase 4: Have the students write their own! 2 true and 2 false statements, share with a neighboring group, and teach their classmates!

Pro tips:

• Keep students on a timer and monitor the room.
• Explain the goal and expectations ahead of time.
• Work with the students in their groups.
• Allow them to use lesson materials, but remind them of the time limit.
• Idea: You can have the students earn points for correcting the false statements.

Benefits of True, False, Fix

• You can review larger topics and single quotes.
• The students can practice quickly correcting mistakes and form the correct answers.
• The students can write their own true-false statements and have a different group sort and correct, teaching the others.

Watch out for:

• Students might not understand your rules and expectations, so make sure they know this in advance!
• What if they don’t write a corrected phrase? Walk through it with them! It’s super beneficial to do one as a whole class so they see it! (MODEL IT)
• They could get off-task…monitor them and interact with them during the game!

What do you think? Can your students try True/False/Fix? Will they review what you want them to review? Will it help? As always, I love to hear about it! Email me at newmantr@pcsb.org

-Tracy