Illinois New Teacher Collaborative

I would break my class into four groups. I would then draw three lines down the board vertically. This would give me four sections of work space. I would label at the top of each section the group number. I would call four students to the board, one from each group. They will have the same or close to the same cognitive level. I would announce the problem and they will write it on the board and work it out as fast as they can. Once they are finished, they will place their hands on the side of their heads and scream, "You can't battle my brain, Mr. Haynes!" I would check the problem and if they are right, I will say, "I cannot battle your brain" and give their team a point. If the student is incorrect, I will say, "I can battle your brain" and check the next person's work until I find a winner.