Headlines

A routine for capturing core ideas.
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Description: The Headlines routine asks students to reflect and synthesize as they identify the essence or core of a situation or learning experience. This helps to build understanding of big ideas and core principles. Teachers send the message that taking notice of big ideas is critical to understanding. Documenting the group’s headlines allows students to consider a topic from multiple angles.  It provides the teacher with useful information that can be used to plan future instruction.

How to Use the Strategy:

Refer to pages 111-118 in the book Making Thinking Visible: How to Promote Engagement, Understanding, and Independence for All Learners.

Access online instructions here at Harvard Project Zero.

See the routine in practice here at Harvard Project Zero.

Notes:
  • Headlines routine can also be used after a single episode of learning, such as a field trip, reading of a book, watching a movie, or so on.  In this context students identify what was important or stood out to them about the experience. 
  • Headlines can be written individually or with partners.


Content Applications:

Headlines in Middle School Art at South Lyon
Resources
Download these resources to use in your classroom. 
Headlines Poster.pdf
File Size: 124 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
PADLET seems to be a great web-based resource that can easily be implemented for Headlines and a variety of other thinking routines. Even though you may not have the technology in your classroom, this is a great way to have students extend their thinking in a collaborative manner outside the classroom.  
- Sharla Lawshea, Media Specialist
  Reuther Middle School