This activity can be used as a preview or a post assessment. It can also be used as a differentiated activity to student GRAPES charts for students that need more support.
As a pre-assessment, this can be an engaging discovery quest. Students will look at the different images and guess in which categories they belong. In this way, they can think critically about the significance and function of each object. Teachers should encourage students to give reasons for why they chose each category. There should be time allotted for discussion and analysis before delving into reading or research about China to confirm their answers.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Place the ancient Chinese characters, items, animals and scenes in the correct category.
Student Instructions:
Allow students to start on a level playing field by introducing the game to all students and modeling how to play.
Some students will be able to grasp the concepts immediately, so they can get started on independent play. They have the confidence and prior knowledge to place pictures into each category about Ancient China.
Other students will need scaffolding. Teachers might explain what a picture means, or further define the categories, or ask students questions to help them to match the elements.
As the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Student can learn a lot by analyzing pictures and images. For instance, seeing how someone dresses can tell students a lot about a person and lead to a deeper understanding of cultural trends, climate, and personality.
If students have to think and reason before they engage with new information, they are more likely to engage with the new information to see if their educated guesses were correct. This helps them create reasonable hypotheses anytime they meet new material.
Matching games help students to analyze data and put it into categories. Even if they are not correct the first time, the practice of thinking and defending their ideas assists in learning.