WELCOME!
We know school is serious business, but cognitive science tells us our brains canât learn unless we feel safe, interested, and intrigued. Thatâs why weâre making JAMs. Unlike ordinary programming that regards literacy & engagement as separate concepts, JAMs meet in the middle to make reading comprehension a blast. JAMs are 50-minute activities, âtask conflictsâ that hinge on skilled reading, healthy dialogue, and collaborative problem solving. Stacked by schema and organized by standard, JAMs can be played as stand-alone activities, or spiraled between BRAVE board games for serious fun. Making class time sweeter than honey.
How Do You Play a JAM ?
Each JAM has an optional lesson that presents a unique schema, embedded vocabulary & reflections to frame learning ahead of a JAM. Highly recommended, not essential. Download & print.
BOOKLET
Each JAM has an optional lesson that presents a unique schema, embedded vocabulary & reflections to frame learning ahead of a JAM. Highly recommended, not essential. Download & print.
ENGAGE
The hook is a quick quote, idea or brain teaser that piques interest just before a JAM begins. Found on the first page of each 16 pp. PDF packetâdownload & print!
SETUP
Teachers organize their class into breakout sessions, groups of 4. Next, deliver 1 page/role/student.
EXPLORE
Individual group members read and annotate their unique viewpoint.
EXPLAIN
Each small group, teams of 4, collaborate to layer viewpoints based on key questions: Who, What, Where, When, and Why.
ELABORATE
Large group reconvenes to clarify key points, found in Guiding Questions.
EVALUATE
Small groups reassemble to complete graphic organizers & timelines. Plus, diagnose the embedded conflict.
EXTENSIONS
(6) extensions, labeled B-G, provide structured journaling, retrieval practice, interleaving, analysis, and more!
JAM Series
