Index Cards: When we have used this jolt in CILMAR, the prepared index cards were created by searching (Googling) photography alphabet images and then printing these on four different colors of construction paper and cutting them out to card size. Attention was given to selecting images that were related in type or category (architecture, tools, nature, etc) and by printing all but one letter on the same color. The idea is to lead them to form groups according to color or category rather than immediately recognizing the images as letters. This adds a layer to the activity that makes the reveal of the images being letters and needing to spell words more impactful.

Spelling words: As with forming groups, leave the rules up to the students when how to form words. Say yes to all ideas about how to form words (using letters multiple times, flipping letters to be other letters, spelling onomatopoeia, e.g. "mmm," spelling foreign words, etc.) This, just as with how they come up with rules for forming groups, should reveal to students the variety of perspectives.