Connect students directly to the concept in a personal way. Capture students' attention by initiating a group problem-solving activity before delivery of instruction. Begin with a situation that is familiar to students and builds on what they already know. Construct a learning experience that allows diverse and personal student responses. Facilitate the work of cooperative teams of students.
"Musical Mats" game
Objective: To involve children in a scarcity experience leading to understanding of why we can't always have what we want.
Activity: Play "musical mats": a cooperative version of "musical chairs". Distribute a carpet sample mat to each child. When music begins to play, children leave their mats and walk in a circle, while the teacher removes one mat. When the music stops, they each must get on any mat as quickly as possible. Continue with the game, until as many children as safely possible on are one mat.
