Many issues that arise within a community have opposing sides. By using the Tug of War routine, students can identify "tugs" for both sides of a dilemma. 

As fifth graders began their Persuasive Writing Unit and examined different topics, they noticed evidence for and against an issue. Students read numerous article about zoos. They had to display their thinking for both sides of the argument "Should there be zoos?" Students then had a whole-class debate where students used their reasons to pick a side. 

In science, we are working on our trees unit. One of the key concepts expected of students is to compare the details and properties of leaves. Students were given an assortment of leaves to first observe and discuss with other students. Then the leaves were displayed on the SmartBoard zoomed in so students could notice small details in the leaves. 

This was the first time my kindergarten students participated in the See, Think, Wonder thinking routine, so I didn’t know what to expect from them. I was very surprised by students’ responses during the “What do you see?” portion of the routine. None of my students said anything about it being a leaf. Instead, they focused on the color, shape, and parts of a leaf. Students also began making connections during the “Think” portion of the routine to what students saw in the beginning. One student said, “I know that someone said there are lines in the leaves. I think those are the veins.” 
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