Reading PK-3

Think-Pair-Share

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Overview

Students develop reading skills by listening to and speaking with others in informal ways. When learners think about a question then discuss their thoughts with a partner before sharing with the larger group, everyone participates and practices their skills.

Use It in the Classroom

Watch a second grade teacher review think-pair-share with her class and apply it to a read-aloud. We can see how, by having individual think time, students are more equipped to process and answer questions meaningfully. They are also held accountable for maintaining their Attention with a peer, which contributes to a more fruitful discussion.

  • Using this process in book discussions allows learners with varying Speeds of Processing to collect their thoughts before participating. Additionally, listening and sharing ideas with a partner helps develop communication skills and offers practice in Self-Regulation when considering another point of view.

    • Design It into Your Product

  • Providing support that encourages increased participation is especially important in building learners' confidence for sharing ideas. A teacher or developer can create prompts or structured partner/small group discussions so students have the opportunity to think, try, and workshop their ideas in a low-stakes environment.
    • View References

    Resources

    Below are additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.

    Developing Behaviors for Cooperative Learning

    Module by Sanford Inspire

    Feedback & Peer Assessment

    Subtopic that explores research on the effects of quality, type, and source of feedback on student learning on Digital Promise's Research Map

    Language, Space & Time

    Subtopic that explores how language can shape our perception and representation of abstract concepts on Digital Promise's Research Map

    Learning Communities

    Subtopic that includes research on communities of learners on Digital Promise's Research Map

    Think-Pair-Share Article

    Summary with examples for implementing it in the classroom

    Think-Pair-Share Strategy Guide

    Guide and sample lesson plans

    Think-Pair-Share Video

    Tips for implementing think-pair-share from a teacher

    Thinking Routine

    Think-pair-share to promote active reasoning and explanation

    Factors Supported by this Strategy

    Language and Literacy
    Morphological Awareness
    Syntax
    Verbal Reasoning
    Vocabulary
    Cognition
    Attention
    Inhibition
    Long-term Memory
    Short-term Memory
    Speed of Processing
    Working Memory
    Social and Emotional Learning
    Emotion
    Motivation
    Self-Regulation
    Social Awareness & Relationship Skills
    Student Background
    Adverse Experiences
    Home Literacy Environment
    Physical Fitness
    Primary Language
    Safety
    Sleep
    Social Supports
    Socioeconomic Status

    More Cooperative Learning Strategies

    Gallery Walk

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    Jigsaw

    As students work with and process information by discussing, organizing, and sharing it together, they deepen their understanding.

    Learning Strategy & Tool "Fair"

    To promote acceptance of learning diversity, students explore learning tools and strategies to see how they work and why they and others might use them.

    Reciprocal Teaching

    When students explain to others, they deepen their understanding and gain confidence in their learning.

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