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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