Final Word

Description:
The Final Word can be used to expand a group’s understanding of a text in a focused way and in a limited amount of time.

Students work in groups of four.
The person in each group who starts gets 4 minutes
Each person in the group gets 3 minutes to respond (3 people = 9 minutes)
The person who started has the FINAL WORD – 2 minutes

How to Use the Strategy:
  1. 1. Read the text
  2. 2. Each person selects and marks what is for him/her one significant quote/section of the text.


For each Round (4 Rounds of 15 Minutes Each)
  1. Begin by designating a timekeeper/facilitator. This role should not be filled by the person who will begin the round (and who has the FINAL WORD)
  2. One person begins by explaining the significance of his/her quote/selection from the text to the group (4 minutes)
  3. After this person is finished, each person then comments on the same quote/section as the one the first person in the round chose. You may choose to respond to what the first person has said, OR to speak to the quote or section in any other way that extends the group’s understanding of the text. Each person in the group has 3 minutes to respond, for a total of 9 minutes. 
  4. The person who started, then has the FINAL WORD. (2 minutes)

ROUND TWO then begins, with the next person explaining the significance of his/her quote/selection from the text to the group. Rounds two, three, and four follow the same format as Round One.
Resources
Download these resources to use in your classroom. 
final_word_handout_-_jay_marks0001.rtf
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File Type: rtf
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Directions for printing Toolbox Cards
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3. Open the saved document
4. Select File>Print
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Final Word toolbox card.pdf
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File Type: pdf
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