“I use Byrdseed TV to differentiate for my clustered students. I LOVE all the ideas!” ~ a teacher in Washington

CCSS ELA Standard: 4.SL.1.d

Review the key ideas expressed and explain their own ideas and understanding in light of the discussion.

New Uses For A Cardboard Tube
New Uses For A Cardboard Tube
So, what can a cardboard tube be used for other than holding wrapping paper?
Gr 1-8
Van Gogh Self-Portrait Tournament
Van Gogh Self-Portrait Tournament
Who will win the tournament of Van Gogh self-portraits!?
Gr 1-8
New Uses For A Chair
New Uses For A Chair
So, what can a chair be used for other than, you know, sitting in?
Gr 1-8
New Uses For An Aluminum Can
New Uses For An Aluminum Can
So, what CAN a CAN be used for other than storing liquids?
Gr 1-8
Zig Zag Cipher (Codes Part 3)
Zig Zag Cipher (Codes Part 3)
Let’s try a cipher that doesn’t substitute new letters or shapes. We just mix things up.
Gr 1-8
Pig Pen Cipher (Codes Part 2)
Pig Pen Cipher (Codes Part 2)
Let’s encode some secret messages with a cipher that was actually used during the American Civil War!
Gr 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
Categorize and Re-Categorize Countries
Categorize and Re-Categorize Countries
Put these countries into groups. Then do it again. Then… do it one more time. How does re-re-grouping the same places reveal new patterns and give new insights?
Gr 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Categorize and Re-Categorize Animals
Categorize and Re-Categorize Animals
Put these animals into groups. Then do it again. Then… do it one more time. How does re-re-grouping the same creatures reveal new patterns and give new insights?
Gr 1-8
Charge of the Light Brigade – Chess Variant
Charge of the Light Brigade – Chess Variant
What if one side played with THREE QUEENS and the other had SEVEN KNIGHTS!? What if?
Gr 2-8
Anti-Checkers
Anti-Checkers
Sure, anyone can win at checkers… but can you lose!?
Gr 4-8
Paradox: Rebuilding A Ship
Paradox: Rebuilding A Ship
What if we completely rebuild something slowly? What if we completely rebuild it all at once? Is it still the same thing?
Gr 1-8
Art Lesson: Two-Point Perspective
Art Lesson: Two-Point Perspective
Let’s get students’ art really popping with two-point perspective!
Gr 1-8
Game: Snakes
Game: Snakes
In this grid-based strategy game, who will be the last to add to the snake?
Gr 3-8
Bulls and Cows
Bulls and Cows
How quickly can you break the numeric code?
Gr 1-8
Paradox: The Barber’s Paradox
Paradox: The Barber’s Paradox
The barber shaves everybody who doesn’t themselves. So… does the barber shave himself?
Gr 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8
Paradox: Crocodile Dilemma
Paradox: Crocodile Dilemma
A crocodile makes a deal. But the deal creates a paradox. Can your students untangle a 2,000-year-old logic puzzle?
Gr 1-8
Paradox: The Liar’s Paradox
Paradox: The Liar’s Paradox
Nothing like a paradox to get your kids brains exploding 🤯! This one starts with five simple words: “This statement is a lie.”
Gr 3-8
The Thinking Hats
The Thinking Hats
So… do your students moan when forced to work in a group? Part of the problem is that lack the structure to work well with peers. Edward de Bono’s Thinking Hats are a perfect tool to help with this problem.
Gr 1-8
Content Imperatives: Convergence
Content Imperatives: Convergence
Add complexity by considering how multiple factors 🔄 Converge within one topic.
Gr 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Depth and Complexity: ⚖️ Ethics
Depth and Complexity: ⚖️ Ethics
Want to add drama to any topic? Use the Ethics prompt!
Gr 3-8
Depth and Complexity: 🚦 Rules
Depth and Complexity: 🚦 Rules
Is there a consequence for not doing something? You may have found a rule!
Gr 1-8
Asynchrony: Developing At Different Rates (For Students)
Asynchrony: Developing At Different Rates (For Students)
For students! In some areas, a student may be shockingly advanced, while in others… surprisingly average. This is asynchrony in action.
Gr 3-8
Intellectual Intensity
Intellectual Intensity
Do you know someone who becomes a bit overexcited by ideas?
Gr 2-8