Lesson 3: LITWIS, What Is It?
Handout 3

Teacher Instructions for the LITWIS Activity and Example Cards

What is a LITWIS?
The letters LITWIS stands for Listen Intently To What I Say. A LITWIS activity is a collection of index cards that go in numerical order and each card will have a cue as to who is the next person to read a card or perform an action. You may wish to have your students number their cards so that the first few transitions go more smoothly. The information on the cards is color-coded. A LITWIS is an activity that assesses learners' understanding of concepts and content. Index cards are color-coded and may be numbered with a cue to terms and concepts written on each card. You may use RED for what the person SAYS, BLUE for what the person DOES, and PINK for what is said or done on the previous card. Some words may remain black. Before performing the LITWIS, the cards are shuffled and passed to students. A student reads the first card and should elicit a response from another student. That student then reads his/her card to elicit another response. Include philanthropy concepts in LITWIS cards.

Below are sample LITWIS cards using the theme of "Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic Rock." You may use the color scheme described above. The key to making this activity work is to "keep it simple" and always have some cards that contain only actions so your non-readers do not feel frustrated. Sometimes it is fun to combine two or three cards together and have them do something together.

Card 1
When you see someone stand up, jump up and down and yell, "I'm on fire, what is happening to me?"
Stand up and make the alphabet letter "I" with your body parts.
Then say, "You must be Iggie Igneous."

Card 2
When you see someone stand up and make a letter I, say "You must be Iggie Igneous."
Pretend that you are placing layer upon layer of rocks on top of one another.
Continue to do this until someone says something to you.

Card 3
When you see someone pretending to place layers of rock on top of one another,
sit under the table and whisper "Sedimentary, sedimentary, sedimentary."
Do this until someone yells "ROCK."

Card 4
When you hear someone saying "Sedimentary, sedimentary, sedimentary"
yell "ROCK!!"

Evaluation Rubric for LITWIS Activity

4 Points Uses card correctly to secure appropriate response, demonstrates knowledge of cue and concepts and content vocabulary as well as philanthropy connections: stewardship. Participates in class activity, works well together, non-disruptive in class environment, focused, uses movement and follows directions.Shows clarity of actions.
3 Points Uses the card to secure appropriate response and demonstrates knowledge of the cue. Makes a philanthropy connection as part of class response. Participates in the activity, works cooperatively and follows directions. Responses in line with LITWIS cards. Works cooperatively. Conveys meaning of the LITWIS card.
2 Points While attempting to convey meaning of cue on LITWIS car, has to make several attempts to elicit correct identification or response, but does make good effort. Does not participate in more than the card assigned but is cooperative and non-disruptive.
1 Points Makes an attempt but unsuccessful. Does not participate beyond the LITWIS card. Is somewhat disruptive.
0 Points Makes no attempt to participate. Non-cooperative and disruptive during LITWIS activity.