Five Ws and an H?
This one is a favorite of my daughter. Have them trace their hand on a piece of paper. Each finger stands for a “W”question word – who, what, when, where, why. For each finger/question word – write the details from the lesson/story that apply. Who was in the story (main characters)? Or who was the person writing to? What did they do/say? When did this take place? Where does it take place? Why did the person write this? Why did the characters do what they did? Finally (and most importantly) the palm stands for“How?” This is the application…How can you use this in your life? How will you change something you are doing/saying as a result of what is in this lesson?
TIPS FOR USING WITH A CLASS:
For younger kids or children with special needs -- prepare ahead of time a paper using your own hand – or draw on the board in the front of the room. You can
draw pictures instead of writing answers in each finger.
For older kids, have them make the paper before you start teaching and ask them to fill it out as you are teaching. After you are done with the lesson, have them share their “diagram” with someone else to compare notes.
This is a good review activity. Make sure you let them know they do not have to write complete sentences or worry about spelling – the emphasis here is
to remember the big ideas of what is taught.
Adaptation: if you think the “hand” graphic is too “childish” for your class, use a “wheel” graphic instead. With the spokes representing each “w” question and the center/hub representing the“how/application”.
The application is the crucial component. Spend an appropriate amount of time discuss the “how?” and talking about specific situations or ways to follow through in their every day walk!