8th Grade Problem Solving Centers

Simplify your December planning with this ESL resource designed to immerse your students in the holiday spirit with low prep holiday printables to practice basic vocabulary.

Resource 1- The Puzzle Street Gift Box Mix-Up

This English Second Language ESL ELL EAL resource helps to practice reading basic personal information. This low prep resource adds problem solving and movement into a second language classroom. Cards share information on each family (i.e. family members, favorite pastime, pet's name ...). Each card gives a question, but the answer is found on an unknown card. The scavenger hunt begins!

**Please read the sample card in the pictures to check for language level.**

Explanation:

The "Puzzle Street Gift Box Mix-Up" involves students in a scavenger hunt where they explore 10 centers, decipher clues, and unravel the mystery of a delivery mishap. Each card contains personal information about a family on Puzzle Street and poses a question. The catch? The answer lies on another card. Students embark on a scavenger hunt, moving from one station to another to gather clues about each family and solve the puzzle. Place cards on the walls or scatter on tables around the room. Students must visit and read each card in order to answer the questions.

Includes: Two versions- same scenario but one has a holiday gift theme

Teacher overview

Student mission and directions (read together for lower language levels)

Answer Keys for teacher

Four student handouts to fill in and to collect information

Mission Outline: Oh no! A delivery truck dropped off gift boxes to 10 families on Puzzle Street, but there's a problem. The names on the boxes are all mixed up! It's up to your students to fix this mix-up

Resource 2: Questions of the Day

Encourage speaking and writing in your ESL English Second language Classroom with this Holiday-themed “Questions of the Day” resource. Ideal for teachers seeking engaging warm-up activities with low prep. This Google slideshow resource is designed to encourage students to share their opinion on December topics. It is ideal for daily discussions, writing prompts, and speaking exercises. Expand students' vocabulary with December themed vocabulary and images.

Included:

- Teacher overview

-December vocabulary with engaging images and photographs

-Thirty slides with questions "I prefer" "I would rather"

-Additional conversation slides including "Ugly Christmas sweater" "Christmas Jumper" or "Find the differences"

Start your ESL class off each day with a “Question of the day”. It is a great way to get students talking and help you to establish a low stress routine. This ESL resource works as either a daily warm up or bell ringer activities.

Resource 3: Basic Vocabulary Practice

Enjoy some low prep activities for your English Second Language classroom with this Christmas holiday vocabulary resource. There are 13 vocabulary worksheets which include mystery words to unscramble, drawing activities and more! Explore holiday words with 43 flashcards and game suggestions. This resource works well for centers, emergency sub plans or low prep days.

Included:

-43 flashcards (flashcards can be used for suggested language games)

-Answer response sheet included for Scoot with flashcards

-Flyswatter Smash /Slap- includes images to project on board

-Thirteen unique worksheets for students to practice the new vocabulary like unscramble the mystery word and color by code.

There are several game suggestions included that will have your students actively participating in a friendly learning environment. From the classic "Memory" flashcard game to the interactive "Flyswatter Smash" game, students will have a blast while reinforcing their understanding of basic vocabulary. Inside this resource, there are suggestions to keep your students motivated and actively engaged in their language learning journey. 

** Please note that the writing and images on this Google slide resource have been flattened and secured to protect my work (therefore not editable). As with every Google slide, buyers can add text boxes to write their own information or insert images.**

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Are you looking for a different approach to using the Scientific Method/ Engineering Design Process? “Can They Do That?” is a "TV-show type" series that presents things made in the movies/television and challenges the students to prove or disprove "Can They Do That?" This first episode looks at a hot air balloon contraption built out of hair dryers and trash bags on the A-Team.

Students start the lesson by watching a clip from a TV show (included in PowerPoint). They are presented with a “problem” by the TV Show Host and then they work through the EDP.

This lesson includes the Video Introduction embedded in a PowerPoint with a Student Handout that guides students research, prototype and solution.

Check out my other Engineering Products HERE!

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