"Read with a Pencil"

 Students learn to "Read with a Pencil".  Some call this active reading, or close reading.  Whatever you call it, it helps students to read purposefully and closely.  Introduce the concept, model it and use the gradual release of responsibility.  Here students practice reading with a pencil using sticky notes then they add it to their journals.  Using sticky notes also helps us to 'connect' our learning.  Use the notes to put similar information together.  Then notes can be used to write summaries, make connections from old to newly learned information.  The uses are unlimited!!!!

"Ticket To Leave"

 The "ticket to leave" is a quick one-step type of formative assessment.  Just pose a question and have students write the answer on the ticket slip at the end of your lesson.  Separate the responses into three piles: "definitely got it", "almost got it", "needs more practice".  Use these piles to determine if more whole group instruction is needed or use them as a guide to your 'flexible grouping' groups.  This is one of the simplest and most powerful forms of formative assessment that I use in the classroom.