Selection by Kids Review all the topics in individual classrooms, AT THE SAME TIME . Have the students each choose three topics, by interest. Explain that you will make every effort to give them one of their three choices. Teachers form student teams by sorting student responses. On butcher paper, record the choices under topic headings.
Color code choices one, two, and three.
Form the teams based on choice, ability, and compatibility. The Wheel Group the teams into class sets and set up a schedule of rotation, so that they have several work sessions with each teacher. At the first meeting, each team will discuss the topic and begin to make new plans. Each team fills out a contract stating what will be accomplished and how, recording how the different subject areas will be addressed. It is highly suggested that the students do research independently, so that each one will have a strong base of knowledge of the topic selected.