Spiral review is a great way to keep students' skills sharp. I am always trying to look for little ways to remind myself to cyclically review topics with my students. I find that the phrase "Out of sight, out of mind" is certainly true when it comes to standards and skills I have taught already, but that still need periodic, spiral review.
My solution was to attach 2 mini-pocket charts to my door right near the handle. The blue one is used by my reading students; the red one is used by my math students.
How I Use This:
I typically keep the activity the same for a week, but change out the index cards during the week. For example, students will say the decimal on the red math chart all week, but the actual decimals in the pockets will change. Kids also love to help think of new index cards to add to the charts!
When I Use This:
I use this most frequently when we line up to leave the classroom for bathroom breaks, switching classes, or at the end of the day. I might select a representative or two from each line (boys and girls) to complete the activity quickly just before we walk out the door.Why I Love It:
- It's fast and easy to remember.
- It motivates the kids to review concepts.
- It helps me see very quickly if any kids need me to re-teach a concept.
- It turns transitional times into a learning opportunity.
- Kids can make up their own review activities for the chart. This saves me time!
- The mini pocket charts are very inexpensive. (I found these in the Dollar section at Target at the beginning of the school year.)
- The index cards are easily stored in an index-card box and reused for spiral review.
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