This instructional strategy called 3-2-1 (Three-Two-One) is a great way to get students involved in a reading activity. Once students have been trained what to do, teachers should be able to tell children I would like for you to read this passage and complete a 3-2-1 on it. After students finish reading, students will write 3 key terms for what they have just learned, 2 ideas that they would like to learn more about, and 1 concept or skill they think they have mastered. In some ways, its a variation to doing a KWL, but better. KWL's can sometimes get lengthy. The 3-2-1 is a way to focus on key terms for what students should be learning. I use this strategy in my classroom all of the time. It's great for my 2nd graders because they understand what is being asked and it puts a limit on what they need to accomplish. They know exactly the number of items to complete and they do not have to ask me if they have enough or how much do I want!
Comments (8)
I use the KWL with my k's all the time. The 1-2-3 strategy sounds alot like the KWL. I believe all students comprehend better when they know what they are looking for in the readings. I always try to ask questions I want to be answered before I read a passage to my students. Research shows an increase in motivation when students are given a list of what is expected before they complete the assignment.
Robin Hand
Posted by Robin Hand | March 14, 2009 7:11 PM
Posted on March 14, 2009 19:11
I have never heard of this strategy before. What a neat concept of focusing in on 3 key terms, 2 questions you still have about the text and 1 skill you have mastered. I could really see that working with my third graders as well.
Thanks!
Posted by Christy B | March 15, 2009 3:35 PM
Posted on March 15, 2009 15:35
I love this. I think this is a friendly way for younger students to respond to a story. It seems easy to teach the students what to do and I don't think that it would take children long to catch on. This would be a great activity to have the students complete and file in a notebook, so that at the end of the year they can see all the work that they accomplished.
Posted by Erin Whisnant | March 15, 2009 4:35 PM
Posted on March 15, 2009 16:35
This is a great strategy that I used several times last year with my third graders. I know our fifth grade teachers are using it and their students are really into it. It is interesting to watch some of the ideas that students pull out and what grabs their attention.
Posted by Sarah Schemanske | March 15, 2009 4:51 PM
Posted on March 15, 2009 16:51
3-2-1 is an interesting strategy. The responsibility of learning is on the student and students like to know what is expected of them. I look forward to trying this comprehension strategy with my third graders. Thanks for sharing! :)
Posted by sonia pearson | March 15, 2009 4:56 PM
Posted on March 15, 2009 16:56
I liked the 3-2-1 because of its brevity and specificity! This gives kids a focus, the chance to question, and a place to show off what they know. Good one!
Posted by Janet Gross | March 15, 2009 7:43 PM
Posted on March 15, 2009 19:43
Before I even came to the similarities of the KWL I thought that this seemed very similar to a KWL. I also think that KWLs can be very lengthy. With the limited amount of time that we have in class I think the 3-2-1- would be a quick way to get the students thinking prior to the activity and after the activity. I think you've chosen a great strategy.
Posted by Candace Hensley | March 15, 2009 9:24 PM
Posted on March 15, 2009 21:24
I like this better than the KWL. It makes the students be more specific in their information. I would use this with older kids as well.
Lynn
Posted by lynn lawson | March 16, 2009 6:22 PM
Posted on March 16, 2009 18:22