Beach Ball Questions

[Iteach6th]

Hello, I am new to this site and was looking for some suggestions. I recently saw beach balls being used for reading comprehension and guided reading. Has anyone used this strategy? What questions did you have on the balls? How did you run the activity? Thanks so much.

[hweber]

I have used this. You can purchase preprinted beach balls if you'd like from school supply stores. You can use many different types of questions - what is the setting, who are the characters, plot (beginning middle and end) what is the problem, what is the solution...the list goes on. The kids love it.

[Mrs. Gangsta]

I use a ball for reinforcement of the lesson or vocab review. I ask the first question and toss the ball - student who catches the ball answers or tosses the ball to another student. If students who could not answer and tossed the ball to another student who answers the question gets the ball tossed back until they can answer (2nd students asks their own question) (so no one opts out of answering). This is a great end of class activity or a warm-up.

[wilkette]

Here is a link to a set of pre-made beach balls:

http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/browse/processRequest.do?sku=59/4174&requestURI=processProductsCatalog

[sweetlatina23]

i use a beachball discussion for reading and social studies, i love it. My principal encourages everyone to use popsticle sticks to make sure everyone participates...i personally didnt like it or i would forget to use them. Using the beachball is fun and interactive...the kids love it and they remind me. I teach 6th grade..what i do is ask a question then throw the ball to 1 side of the room i wait for them to answer then they toss it to the next side of the room ..i might ask or for hw i have them write down questions using blooms and they have to ask it ...i have my rows seperated ..two rows on one side facing the other two...u cannot answer again till everyone has tried...sorry if i dont make sense im on my phone and its harder to get out all my thoughts