Interactive Learning Structures

Interactive learning structures are easy-to-use, purposeful activities that improve academic engagement

Engage and Motivate Students

These fun, hands-on activities get kids out of their seats and interacting with peers.

Provide a structure for students to work together dynamically, purposefully, and respectfully to make learning active and collaborative.

Goals for Using Interactive Learning Structures:

  • Deepen understanding
  • Develop collaboration skills
  • Reduce off-task behaviors
  • Build a more positive community
  • Maximize learning time

Interactive Learning Structure Ideas

Here are some distinct examples to inspire variety:

Four Corners

  1. Pose a question that has four possible responses. 
  2. Designate one corner of the room for each response.
  3. Students move to the corner that matches their answers.
  4. In their corners, students discuss their answers in small groups.
  5. Allow about 1–2 minutes for the discussion. 
  6. Repeat with a new question and responses as time allows.

Snowball

  1. Give each student a strip of blank white paper.
  2. Students write a statement on the paper in response to a question.
  3. Gather in a circle, crumple up the pieces of paper, and toss the “snowballs” into the center of the circle.
  4. Everyone picks up a snowball and takes turns reading it aloud.

Graffiti

  1. Post charts around the room with questions.
  2. Invite students to write ideas on the charts. They can start at any chart, go in any order, and write in any style anywhere on the chart.
  3. Working in small groups, students find common themes among the ideas on each chart.
  4. Have each group share their findings with the whole class.

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