Concentric Circles"Within Concentric Circles, the teacher dives the class into two equal groups. One group makes a circle, with each student facing out. The second half of the students form another circle around the first circle. Each student should have a partner either from the inside circle or vice versa. The teacher then asks a question/delegates a task. The students in the inner circle go first, and then the outer circle students share. What makes Concentric Circles so effective for ELLs is the practice they get listening and speaking in English." (Wright, 2015).
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How does it work?
Take a quick glimpse of this video to see what Concentric Circles look like while being utilized in the classroom. Consider ways the this if efficient for ELLS in your classroom. Getting comfortable with other learners, practice their speaking skills, and having fun while doing these things. This strategy is much more effective then having the teacher stand and talk for 95% of the lesson.
References
Wright, W. (2010). Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Carlosn b.
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How can I use this strategy in..
Here is a video of an example of how to use Concentric Circle during a mathematics video. Just think, if this instructor can keep upper grade level students interested in content by using this strategy, how excited would elementary level students be about using this strategy?
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You could use the Concentric Circle strategy in reading in various ways. You could even have students form the two circles and simply do read to someone during Daily Five, while rotating. This way they would hear multiple students read, who have varying reading levels. Another way you could use it during reading/literacy is by having the students learn vocabulary, and spelling.
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Utilizing social studies with a Concentric Circle could liven up the classroom. You could have students share their thoughts about what they already know about a specific topic, and questions they may have. For example, talking to your students about presidents. Having them go around and share which presidents they know. This will have the students introducing new presidents to other peers instead of simply having you stand and teach this concept.
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