Okay, so maybe it wasn't the dog that ate your plans. Maybe leading today's study group is the 45th item on your "To Do" list, and you just didn't get past item 23. Or maybe you did schedule an hour of planning time, only to have a parent show up at your classroom door needing some attention and support. Maybe an administrator dumped a mountain of data on your desk this morning, requiring instant analysis.

If you're leading a workshop today and you've got nothing prepared, here are some activities guaranteed to interest virtually any group of colleagues and spark some lively discussion. These are the ones we pull out in those rare situations when (for whatever reason) we haven't had time to prepare anything. Most can be used repeatedly, even in the same year with minor variations, if your colleagues find them enjoyable.

The proof of the worth of these activities is that we sometimes choose to try them with colleagues even when we do have time to prepare something else. It almost feels like cheating because they are so easy to lead, but the results are always energizing and encouraging. They are designed to spotlight the needs, interests and opinions of group members in different ways. They can also re-energize a group that is in the doldrums.

To download this 7 page guide (pdf format), click here.

You might want to print a few copies of these suggestions to keep handy in your study group folder for those workshops that jump out and surprise you in the future.

If you liked this article, you may want to sign up for The Big Fresh, our free weekly e-newsletter of tools, tips, and strategies for literacy leaders:

Related Articles

·  Over, Under, and Beyond Words: Alternative Strategies for Observing Talk in Classrooms (E-GUIDE) ·  Planning a New Teachers' Professional Development Program ·  Professional Development Needs Assessment Inventory ·  Boosting Attendance at Study Groups ·  Literacy Coach Confidential: What Can I Do About Poor Attendance at My Study Group?