Play some music and instruct students to move around the room. After a few seconds, turn off the music and say "Huddle" and then a number between 1 and 4.
For example, if you call out "Huddle 4" the students should huddle in groups of 4. Then call out a question and let the students discuss the possible answers.
After a few seconds, call out an identifier that will single out one student to answer aloud for the whole group. For example, the student with the shortest hair.
Have students read a controversial article or a debatable statement that relates to your content area. Have students move to the corner that best matches their position.
Each corner should be given a few minutes to discuss and solidify their reasoning / logic for their stance. Each group selects a spokesperson to express their group's position.
The spokesperson has 30 seconds to express thoughts and to persuade their classmates. Other groups should listen intently. After the first group presents, students should be given the opportunity to move if they have changed their mind.
This technique assesses level of understanding at different times of a lesson. Students should have access to post its on which to write questions or statements about a given topic or concept.
Students should place their post it on an area of the room designated as the parking lot. The area should be divided into three sections labeled; I don't understand, I'm starting to understand and I completely understand.
Interactive Notebooks! You have just engaged in filling out an interactive notebook on the lesson today. Interactive notebooks / worksheets are a good way to keep the student engaged as you are teaching.