The Tea Party Protocol is a pre-reading strategy that encourages students to interact with the text in a fun and engaging way. It allows students to make predictions about the story, visualize the characters and setting, and activate their prior knowledge. This strategy is particularly effective for younger students and those who are struggling with reading comprehension.

Materials:

• Index cards or small pieces of paper
• Pens or markers
• Teacups or small cups (optional)
• A table or space for students to gather

Procedure:

1. Prepare the Cards (5 minutes):
   • Write down key vocabulary words, character names, or events from the text on the index cards or pieces of paper. 
   • One word or phrase should be written on each card.
2. Set the Stage (5 minutes):
   • Arrange the teacups or small cups on a table or in a designated area. This will create a festive atmosphere and help students get into the spirit of the activity.
3. Introduction (3 minutes):
   • Explain to the students that they are going to follow the Tea Party Protocol to get ready for reading a new story. Tell them that they will be mingling with each other and sharing information about the story.
4. Complete the Activity (20-25 minutes):
   • Distribute the cards: Give each student one card. Make sure that each card is unique and that there are enough cards for all students.
   • Mingle and share: Instruct the students to mingle around the teacups or designated area. When they encounter another student, they should read their card aloud and share what they know about the word, character, or event. They can also ask the other student questions about their card.
5. Wrap-up (5-7 minutes):
   • After a few minutes of mingling, bring the students back together for a brief discussion. Ask them to share some of the things they learned from their conversations.

Differentiation:

• Text Complexity: Choose text excerpts of varying difficulty levels based on individual reading abilities.
• Group Composition: Pair struggling readers with strong readers for collaborative discussion. Form heterogeneous groups with diverse perspectives for richer interpretations.
• Clue Variety: Include a mix of literal phrases, figurative language, and open-ended questions to cater to different learning styles.
• Prediction Formats: Offer options like written statements, sketches, or mini-theatrical performances for varied prediction expressions.

Technology Integration:

• Audio Recordings: Listen to excerpts of historical figures, scientists, or literary characters instead of reading text.
• Interactive Images: Use online image galleries or create slideshows with visuals related to the text to spark discussion.
• Collaborative Documents: Utilize shared online documents for group predictions, notes, and final summaries.