Discursive Strategies

Grade Level: All

Circle of Viewpoints

This discursive strategy invites students to identify multiple perspectives.

Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12

Compass Points

This strategy allows everyone present to have input in the decision-making process about a new initiative.

Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Debate Team Carousel

This routine is a silent one, with students gathered in groups of four.

Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Fantastic Four

This routine supports close critical reading of texts students encounter along the road of inquiry. They start by individually identifying 4 points of connection, which they then share with peers in small groups.

Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12

Troika

Students engaged in inquiry are in continuous decision-making mode – determining what to do and think next!

Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Tug of War

This routine supports students to fully develop their understanding of two predominant points of view in a text or inquiry.

Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Widening the Aperture

This routine invites small groups to respond to a question or issue first from their own point of view, and then from an alternate point of view.

Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Sentence Phrase Word (Upper)

This discursive and thinking routine supports students to think about big ideas and provides a structure for conversation.

Grade Level: K-2, 3-5

Colour, Symbol, Image

This routine invites students to identify the main ideas in a text and represent them in nonverbal ways.

Grade Level: K-2, 3-5

Concept Mapping (Stars and Constellations)

Students individually and collectively surface their prior knowledge, assumptions, and conclusions about an essential question.

Grade Level: K-2, 3-5

Discursive Sentence Starters

Hand gestures can signal the kind of thinking move a student intends to make when it’s their turn.

Grade Level: K-2, 3-5

Discussion Passport

When you’re travelling, you need a valid passport to gain admission to other’s lands. Another person’s ideas are a bit like another land, and it’s important to travel there respectfully.

Grade Level: K-2, 3-5

Four Corners

Students individually and collectively surface their prior knowledge, assumptions, and conclusions about an essential question.

Grade Level: K-2, 3-5

See, Think, Wonder

This routine asks students to silently observe images/text and note the details or importance of the image/text.

Grade Level: K-2, 3-5

Sentence, Phrase, Word (Primary)

This discursive and thinking routine supports students to think about big ideas and provides a structure for conversation.

Grade Level: K-2, 3-5

Silent Conversations

This strategy provides a safe space to find new points of connection, tension, and curiosity.

Grade Level: K-2, 3-5

Windows and Mirrors

A discursive strategy to clarify and deepen knowledge of the text or topic

Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12

Citizenship Education Instructional Strategies Resource

Concentus citizenship inquiries invite teachers and students to meet K-12 Social Studies, History, and Native Studies outcomes in the context of rich units of inquiry. The inquiries themselves are means of cultivating the Essential Citizenship Competencies (ECCs) integral to justice-oriented citizenship.

Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Here’s What, So What, Now What, Huddle

This routine supports students to identify their most significant findings, make inferences about their meaning, and consider their implications for next steps in thinking and action.

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Teacher ToolkitDiscursive Strategies