by Felicia Arnold

Created on: July 27, 2009   Last Updated: July 28, 2009

There are several students who enter the classroom in September and want to sit quietly behind their desks and never speak up. What is interesting is to note that these same children are some of the loudest on the playground at recess time. They communicate very well with their classmates outside of the classroom. We need to create lessons which will lure even the shyest student to join in the fun.

One plan which has proven to be very successful with third graders is to participate in a debate. At first the most confident student and the one with the strongest sense of humor usually volunteers. However, I have found that if the topic intrigues them, many more students participate. When we were studying American history and the start of the Revolutionary War, we divided the class into two groups. The Patriots wanted freedom from King George and wanted to fight for their independence. On the other side of the debate we had the Loyalists who stated their allegiance to King George, the leader who helped them start their colonies.

The students would line up in small groups of three or four, and together they presented their position after they looked over their facts. After several groups spoke, you couldn't stop them from volunteering. They were engaged, enthusiastic, and most entertaining as well.

To continue with this American history theme, we also presented a play about Benjamin Franklin. Once the students learn about these historic figures and know that they really existed as fathers, brothers and sons they truly enjoy history. We introduced many historic female figures and that added to the excitement in the room. Children found that they wanted to get up and speak not as themselves, but as someone else.

On a lighter note, children enjoy reading amusing poems. Many times there would be small groups of two or three students sitting on the carpet laughing as they shared reading aloud. Hearing children laugh because they understood the comedic nature of the poem, is wonderful to see. Poetry is a fantastic tool for engaging children to read aloud.

To extend these lessons, you can ask the students to illustrate what the poem means to them. This make a terrific bulletin board display and it further presents their knowledge of the poem.

It is great fun to hear the parents speak about their children as they rehearse these poems at home. Involving the parents in this activity only makes it even more special for the children. I highly recommend all of these suggestions. Have a terrific time!

Learn more about this author, Felicia Arnold.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.