A-Z Sentence Summaries-- How to Engage Students

Last week in our blog we published the first of a series of activities to use with students to increase engagement. This week we will focus on the A-Z Sentence Summary. These activities are taken from the book Total Participation Techniques Making Every Student an Active Learner. The book is written by Persida and William Himmele

How it Works:

• At the end of a lesson/unit/presentation assign each student a letter of the alphabet. You can also give them cut out letter, magnetic letter, a flashcard with a letter. Whatever works for you and your class.


• Students will write a one-sentence summary of the lesson. The sentence will begin with that letter of the alphabet.


• Attach the sentences to the board, line them up on a table, or any other method of displaying the sentences. This allows peers to view all answers.


• Provide an opportunity for all students to share their sentences.

Taking it to the Next Level:

• Students that are ready can write a follow-up sentence that starts like... This is important because.... or This was important to learn because.....

Sample: Study of NC Coastal Region

• W- Wilmington is a major port city.


• N- New Hanover county was the birth place of Michael Jordan.


• B- Battleship USS North Carolina is docked in Wilmington.


• T- Tourism is an important aspect of North Carolina's economy.