Allows Students to Actively Engage in the Lesson

Allows Students to Actively Engage in the Lesson

At the beginning of a Year 5 reading lesson, Sarah (teacher) uses an ‘auditory signal’ to practice words with students. Sarah gives the instruction, “Look at ‘column one’. We’re going to practice these words”. Sarah gives an appropriate amount of ‘think-time’ and then says, “Word ‘one’. Everybody, what word?” She pauses and snaps her fingers. The students provide their individual response in chorus, “apprentice”. Sarah ensures that all students are answering on the signal. She repeats the process for every word in the column and and repeats the column until firm. All students are engaged in the exercise and provide their responses at the appropriate time.

Matthew (teacher) is having his Year 1 Oz-e-Science class work through a ‘pair-share activity’. The students name one living thing that lives in the ocean habitat. At the end of the activity, Matthew uses a ‘call-and-response signal’ to gain the students’ attention and ensure they are paying attention to him. He says, “One, two, eyes on you”, and then moves on to teaching the students about how the ocean meets the needs of living things.