Four+Square


 * Summary**

//Four Square// (Lenski et. al, 2011: 59-60) is a strategy that helps students make personal connections to new and difficult vocabulary terms. The social sciences are full of complex terms that can be overwhelming for many students. //Four Square// allows students to learn new definitions along side personal interpretations. This strategy increases the likelihood that students will make long term connections with new terminology. By retaining new terms in their long-term memories, students will be able to access the text for effectively.


 * Directions**


 * 1) **Demonstrate** to the class how to use the //Four Square// strategy by drawing one on the board and identifying a term that you want the students to learn.
 * 2) **Write** the word in the top left quadrant of the four square grid.
 * 3) **Guide** students towards developing a correct definition for the term and place it in the top right quadrant of the grid.
 * 4) Ask the class to **Identify** words or phrases that they identify with the word and write them in the bottom left quadrant.
 * 5) Have students **Identify** a word or phrase that //does not// identify the term and place it in the bottom right quadrant. Non examples are great learning tools and will facilitate deeper understanding.
 * 6) Now that the demonstration has been completed have students repeat the process for other vocabulary words that they are unfamiliar with.


 * Example**

In a course exploring the birth of the American consumer society using the //History Alive! Pursuing American Ideals// text, students can use the //Four Square// strategy to explore the meaning of the term "planned obsolescence."

Planned Obsolescence || **Definition**: Building something to become obsolete, requiring a new purchase. || Sounds like obsolete or our of date. || **Opposite**: Lasting and durable ||
 * Four Square**
 * **Vocabulary Word**:
 * **Personal Association**: