Add Rigor To Any Lesson

A simple way to add rigor and deep comprehension to any lesson is to ask students to consider a different perspective. To make this more concrete and engaging, try the Multiple Perspective Glasses strategy.
 

How to:

1. Purchase inexpensive plastic sunglasses from a party store or toy store near you.
2. Use a water-based Vis-à-vis marker to write names on the lenses of the glasses.  For example, if your lesson is on the Revolutionary War, you might write Paul Revere, The Redcoats, Benedict Arnold, etc. To increase the rigor, consider adding non-human perspectives, such as The Horses, The Ground, Boston Harbor.
3. Place the glasses in a box or basket.
4. Put students in small groups or pairs. Ask them to each grab a pair of glasses.
5. Direct students to consider the topic or question from that particular perspective. For example, “How did your person or thing feel about the American Revolution at this point in time?” The student group with “The Ground” might respond “I am tired of being blood soaked and trodden upon.”
6. Have students share their thinking.