Each teaching strategy was measured
based on the three criteria: 1) active, 2) useful,
and 3) fun. One ofthe more successfiil strategies
was Dolch word Bingo. The teachers were given
sheets with the 220 Dolch Basic Sight words that
make up 50-75% of words used in textbooks, library
books, newspapers, and magazines. These
words are key because most cannot be learned
through pictures or sounded out. The teachers
chose from this list individual words to fill in
the squares on their cards (writing practice). A
moderator read otTa Dolch word (listening practice).
If the word appeared on the teacher's card,
he or she covered it, and the game continued
until someone had a "bingo" (reading
practice). Fun: yes, each winner received a
prize. Active: yes, everyone could participate
since the words were easy. Practical:
yes, the Dolch list encompasses the most
frequently encountered English words in
learning the language.
Another game enjoyed by all was an
old elementary school favorite, upsetting
the fruit basket. Each participant was
given a nametag with a fruit (or animal or
color, etc.) on it. Depending on the group
size, three or more teachers had the same
names on their tags. Chairs were arranged
in a circle, and when a particular fruit was
called, the participants with that fruit had
to find a new seat before the caller could
claim an empty one. When the caller said,
"Upset the fruit basket," everyone had to move. Active: yes, everyone had to listen
and move. Praetical: yes, the teachers immediately
saw that it was a good way to
introduce basic vocabulary, and it could be
adapted for a variety of themes. Fun: yes,
the teachers got so excited about getting to
a seat that body blocks were thrown that
any football player would have been proud
to perform.