Placemat is an activity where you have a sheet of paper, or a piece of poster board and have students write down the big ideas!
Give the students a minute to write down what they learned from a previous day or activity and tell them to only write down the BIG IDEAS!
Ask them to switch places and comment on their partner's thoughts. Keep this going until everyone has a chance to respond. After this is done, take time to discuss what was written and go over any ideas that students need further explanation on.
Cooldown is another strategy that will pair well with an ending to a lesson. Ask students to take a second and write down in their notes some of the significant learning from the day's lesson.