Tossed Terms

Summary

The Tossed Terms strategy is an after reading strategy for vocabulary. It is a good review for a test or just to learn vocabulary. Terms and ideas are written on all sides of a box. Small groups throw it back and forth. The terms are prompts for questions so students can recall important information.

Procedure

• Form small groups of no more than four students. Be sure students cluster in a tight circle so boxes do not have to be thrown, but simply tossed a short distance.
• Review the process for using the boxes with students. Typically, with content vocabulary, one student tosses the box to another and the word facing up must be defined, used in a sentence, or explained relative to the content material just learned. The other group members hold each other accountable for accuracy. With process terms, on the other hand, the word facing up serves as a prompt for a question about the content. For example, if the word compare pops up and types of clouds has just been learned in a science class, the student might be asked to “Compare the formation of stratus clouds with cumulous ones.” As the answer is given, the other group members pay attention to accuracy and make corrections if necessary.
• Continue this process for as long as the review is helpful. It will be important to monitor the groups to ensure they remain on task and to clarify any misconceptions. Remember, vocabulary research makes clear that students need multiple exposures to words and concepts before developing meaningful and long-lasting understandings of them.

Examples

Write one prompt on each surface: compare, contrast, describe, analyze, explain, justify.

Reflect

This strategy gets students actively learning. It is good for students to have fun while they are learning. This can also be used for comparing and contrasting ideas or analyzing an idea.

Citation

Found on http://www.webpages.ttu.edu/kefletch/portfolio/links/curriculum/tossedterms.pdf