1. How to Structure a Warm-Up for Learning Activities
FYS Mentor Training
Fall 2016

2. CoLTs
˜CoLTs = Collaborative Learning Techniques
Creates a highly interactive and collaborative learning environment
˜Learning activities carried out through pairs or small interactive groups

3. Steps of a CoLT: 1. Icebreaker/Warm-up 2. Group Formation
3. Structuring/Explaining the Task
4. Activity
5. C.A.T.

4. Focus: Step 1 & 2
During Summer Bridge, you may break students into groups, facilitate session warm-ups throughout the day, and facilitate sessions
Use CoLTs as a guide in creating activities
Use CoLT steps 1-5 when creating sessions you are facilitating

5. Step One: Warm-Up Create open and relaxed environments
Students feel comfortable and ready to learn
Related to the topic/session at hand

6. Step Two: Group Formation
Groups vary depending on learning goal, activity, and the length of time
Three topic areas:
Group types
Group size
Group membership
Examples: Random, Count-Off, Playing Cards, etc.

7. Create the Warm-Up/Group Formation!
Form 10 groups (6-7 in each)
Read about the day’s schedule/upcoming learning activity
Discuss the best warm-up/group formation
Explain your warm-up/group formation and reasoning to the large group
5 minutes in small groups, 1 minute share-out in each group

8. Using All 5 Steps to Plan & Facilitate a Summer Bridge Session

9. Step Three: Structuring & Explaining the Task
State the task/topic being covered
Design the best way to explain the task
Create purposeful objectives

10. Step Four: Activity The actual learning task that takes place
Examples: Jigsaw, Sequence Chain, Fish Bowl/Role Play, Buzz Groups

11. Step Five: C.A.T. C.A.T. = Collaborative Assessment Technique
Examples: Muddiest Point, Self-Evaluation Form, One-Minute Paper
Best if students make real-life connections

12. Grab a Note Card
Pick a topic you are likely to facilitate about during Summer Bridge
Take 5 minutes to create a brief outline of your session (hint: use CoLTs)
Group with 5-6 people who may facilitate a similar session
Have 2 people in each group share theirs with the small group

13. Discussion
Have you faced challenges facilitating before? Please share.
What are student factors to consider when creating a session?
What is 1 tip you would give a fellow mentor who is planning a session?

14. Tips for Classroom Management
Set expectations up front
Treat everyone equally
Limit disruptions
Avoid confrontations in front of students
Use humor, not sarcasm
6. Set/keep expectations high
7. Over plan
Involve the audience
Have fun!
Keep track of time