Starting Position
Students have just read the story and begun conversations about the following topics:
- Was Margot's treatment by her classmates justified?
- Should the children's parents have sent them to Venus?
- How might the constant rain affect a person's behavior and outlook?
Criteria
- Must Haves: Students must provide a response to one of the discussion questions and attempt to use at least one piece of textual evidence to support their thoughts.
- Amazing: Responses make a clear connection to the text and include reasoning that ties the evidence to their statement.
Action Pattern
- Roles: Observers and participants.
- Turns: All students simultaneously Sort and Post their responses.
- Rules:
- Look carefully for patterns and differences in the responses.
- Pay attention to each person's work and be ready to explain the reasoning for categorization.
- Time: 15 minutes for sorting and categorization.
Implementation Directions
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Categorization Setup:
- Prepare chart paper or label desks with categories such as "Justified," "Not Justified," "Unsure," and "Other Perspectives."
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Sort and Post:
- Students write their initial thoughts on one of the discussion questions on sticky notes or index cards, including a simple statement and a piece of textual evidence if possible.
- Students then place their responses in the appropriate category based on their stance or perspective.
Reflections
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Observation Discussion:
- After sorting, gather students to discuss observations about the responses. Facilitate a discussion with questions such as:
- What patterns did you notice in the responses?
- Which responses were most compelling and why?
- What areas could use more support or clearer reasoning?
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Adjustments and Feedback:
- Provide feedback to help students understand the importance of supporting their statements with evidence from the text.
- Encourage students to ask questions about the reasoning behind different perspectives to deepen their understanding.
Variation
Digital Version: Use an online platform where students can type in their responses and tag them with categories. This allows for easy sorting and storage but may reduce oral feedback opportunities.
Strengths of this Routine
- Introduces students to the basics of argumentative thinking in a low-stakes environment.
- Encourages students to begin using textual evidence to support their thoughts.
- Promotes active engagement and discussion about the story.
- Helps students recognize the importance of different perspectives and the reasoning behind them.