Instructional Playbook

Novel Ideas Only

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Overview This strategy has students work in groups to generate as many unique, non-repetitive responses as possible to a prompt, promoting academic language and collaboration. Instructional Purpose The purpose of this task is to promote original thinking, active listening, and academic language use through collaborative idea generation. Materials/Set-Up Prepare lists of ideas related to the content standard or skill that could be used to model the task (model 1 or 2) or to anticipate possible student responses. Arrange desks or tables to encourage collaborative discussions in groups of 3-4 individuals. Instructional Routine Model the steps of the task and criteria for possible responses. Divide students into groups of 3 or 4 students (note: group size will vary depending on student needs and lesson modifications). Ask groups to list ideas about a given topic and set a time limit. When finished, instruct groups to choose a spokesperson who will stand and share ideas from the group’s list. Instruct groups to listen carefully to each idea that is shared to ensure that no group repeats information already provided (in other words, to ensure that groups share only novel ideas). Instruct groups to check ideas off of their list if another group shares that idea and to add the idea to the list if another group shares an idea that they did not originally list. Each spokesperson sits down once the group’s idea list is exhausted (all ideas on the list have been shared by the group and/or checked off). Continue with the activity until all novel ideas about the topic have been shared and all students are seated.

Access by Language Proficiency Level Entering (1) Emerging (2)

Developing (3)

Expanding (4)

Students contribute by pointing, using pictures, or saying short phrase. May need use of home language with support.

Share short responses or ideas using visuals, word banks, or sentence starters. May need help from a peer.

Students share original ideas in short sentences. Encourage using academic language and group support.

Students explain ideas clearly and respond to others using academic language. Justify why the idea is novel.

Sentence Stem Examples - All Levels

One idea is… Another response could be…

I think this is different because… Our group said… but I would add…