Kagan Structures #15 Numbered Heads Together: Animal Fun Facts

To be used with Kagan style lessons or as an active learning activity for pupil group work.

Kagan Structure number 15: Numbered Heads Together
Teammates put their “heads together” to discuss the question and make sure everyone knows the answer. One teammate’s number is randomly called, and that teammate shares the team’s answer.

The teacher prepares questions or problems to ask teams. Students have mini whiteboards or individual think slips and writing pens.

Step 1: Students Number Off
Students number off in their teams from 1-4
Step 2: Teacher Asks a Question and Provides Think Time
The question can be a question with a right or wrong answer or it can be an open-ended discussion question like “What conditions make the formation of a rainbow more likely and why? Everyone think about your answer.”
Step 3: Individuals Write
Students privately write their answers, no talking.
Step 4: Heads Together
Students lift up from their chairs to put their heads together, show answers, and discuss and teach. Students reach a consensus on the team’s answer and make sure they all know the team’s answer because one of them will be selected to represent the team.
Step 5: Students Sit
Students sit down when everyone knows the answer or has something to share. Students erase their boards or hide their answers (so they must individually re-solve or recall the answer if selected).
Step 6: Teacher Calls a Number
The teacher randomly calls a student number from 1-4. All selected students stand. The teacher asks standing students the question (or a similar question).
Step 7: Selected Students Solve the Problem
The standing students independently solve the problem and write the answer(s) on their boards. The teacher calls “show me”, then the selected student on each team holds up his or her mini whiteboard.
Step 8: Class Praises Respondents
Classmates cheer the students who responded.

Related Structures: #16 Paired Heads Together and #17 Travelling Heads Together.