Think-Tac-Toe, a Motivating Method of Increasing Comprehension

Samblis, K. (2006). Think-Tac-Toe, a motivating method of increasing comprehension. The

Reading Teacher, 59(7), 691-694.
Research shows that student choice plays a crucial role with motivation in the classroom. When
students have the power to control what they will be doing, they tend to put more effort into
assignment and take it more seriously. Think-Tac-Toe is a comprehension strategy that not only
motivates students, but holds them accountable as well.

Think-Tac-Toe Board
Nine-square grid filled with activities related to a specific reading skill for review.
Students choose at least three to complete, or even the entire board if the teacher
believes its needed.
Each row addresses a certain skill and various learning styles. Examples:
o 1
st
Row = Main Idea w/visual, kinesthetic, or artistic activities
Pretend you are an artist and sketch a drawing of the main character.
Name and draw a person who reminds you of the main character in the
book.
Use magazines to create a collage describing the emotions of the
character you liked best.
o 2
nd
Row = Sequencing w/tactile, visual, or spatial activities
Draw a picture of a stage setting for the story.
Re-create the setting from the story in a drawing or diorama.
Make up a song or poem about the setting of the story.
o 3
rd
Row = Summarizing w/tactile or auditory activities
Draw a timeline or sequence chart to describe the events in the story.
You are the author and have decided you want to change the story. Write
a new beginning or ending to the story.
Use construction paper to create a game board and game using the
events of the story.
Can be used individually or as a group project.

Benefits
Tasks are authentic.
Opportunity to practice a skill or learn about a topic without using mundane
worksheets, which often bore and frustrate students.
Easily differentiated by changing content, process, or product as needed for students
reading levels, interests, or learning styles.
o Yet, activities are cleverly disguised so students are not aware of any
differentiating.
Gamelike quality maintains students interest, which also encourages social learning.


Think-Tac-Toe is an excellent resource, one I see myself using in the classroom. It is a wonderful
alternative to worksheets with better outcomes, because it gives students more opportunities
to fully understand the objective.