Our system for posting strategies we've taught our students has evolved over the years. Looking back, it represents a continuum of our own learning regarding strategies and best practices in teaching and learning. Let us take you on a quick journey.

When we first developed the CAFE Menu in our classrooms, we listed the strategies on a whiteboard as we taught them. Next we got very artistic, spending hours creating strategy cards on the computer, complete with the cutest clipart we could find. It was a lot of work and we realized the truth of the adage Those who do the most work learn the most.

So we put our beautifully designed cards away and turned the task over to our students. Now after introducing a strategy, we ask a student to write the words, add a picture that depicts it, and sign their name. Over the course of the year, each of our students writes a strategy card or two and takes pride in their contribution.

Here is a picture of Jager writing the strategy on a sticky note, glued to black construction paper. Jager's contribution will be stapled to the visual aide, making learning visible in the classroom.  In this case it is the CAFE board.  And here is the most important thing to remember, we are creating visual aides by posting strategies so students have an organizational tool that will help the brain remember them. No matter what your strategy strips look like, we think it is important that students do the writing. You will see a direct increase in ownership and understanding of each strategy as they engage in this way.