Quiz and Trade

Have I mentioned yet that I love classroom games??  I'm sure I get that from my mom.  But seriously.  Kids are having fun.  Kids are moving.  Kids are talking.  All the things they love to do!  And at the same time, kids are practicing academic skills.

A game that I find so great to play is Quiz and Trade!  It's super easy to set up and is so easily differentiated!

The basics of this cooperative learning strategy are this:

- You'll need at least 1 card per student containing a question on one side, and the answer on the other.
- Pass out 1 card to each student.
- Students then stand up, put their hand up, and partner up with a high five.
- When students meet their partner, Student A will read/show her card to Student B.
- Student B will answer the question.
- Student A will then give praise if the answer was right, or coach if the answer was incorrect. 
- Repeat the process with the other card.
- After both students have read and answered their question cards, students switch cards.
- Students find a new partner and repeat the quiz process.

What I love MOST about Quiz and Trade is this - when a student gets a new card, he has just been either praised or coached on that work.  He now is the teacher and has the confidence to teach it to the next person.

How I Differentiate

Skill Based Groups

One way that I differentiate this strategy is to use it as a station in smaller, skill based groups.  Students who need more supports are grouped together, using cards that include more supports.  Students who are ready for a challenge are grouped together  

For example, all of the Grammar Quiz and Trade games have 2 levels of vocabulary.  

Struggling readers are grouped together using cards with the more common vocabulary.  

Advanced readers are grouped together using the cards with more difficult vocabulary.  

Students are all working on the same skill, but within their own reading level.


Social Groups

I specifically put groups of students together who I know compliment each other well.  In this grouping, struggling readers are mixed with strong readers.  The main factor is that the group meshes well.

Interest Groups

I also offer some students the option to complete independent seat work.  I know there are days that I don't want to work as a team with others, and I can respect that about my students!  All of the grammar games also have coordinating seat work available.  I've also used the seat work as an independent station, homework, and for review.  It's really versatile.  

Whole Class

I frequently use Quiz and Trade as a whole class activity, using both sets of cards combined.  I intentionally pass out the lower level vocabulary cards to the struggling readers, so they are starting with a card they understand and can teach.  

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I'd love to hear other ideas you have for differentiating Quiz and Trade activities!  

Until next time!

Pam