students. Through what lens was this stimulus viewed? Was there opportunities for students to explore the other stories that were present, that may or may not be deemed of lesser importance in the big scheme of things? Being able to effectively explore the multiple narratives that are present in literature, images and events can be a tricky skill for learners to master. We want our students to be able to examine things from different perspectives and alternative points of view to discern bias and develop a more balanced take on issues, ideas and events. Not to mention developing empathy for 'the other'. The Project Zero thinking routine Main Side Hidden is a perfect tool educators can strategically employ to help students learn how to effectively examine the different perspectives that occur when multiple narratives are present. In the initial phases of development this routine is highly structured, but as the routine is used on a regular basis across all Key Learning Areas the students are able to use it and apply it seamlessly.
What is happening to the main character in the story?
When using this prompt with my students and the text Cinderella, I found they were quite adept at highlighting the main character and identifying the story, actions and emotions that encapsulate her. Beginning with a known stimulus ensured that my students were able to build on what they knew. What is happening to the other characters in the story? What is their story?
This prompt saw my students enthralled in the story of the mean step-mother. They initially began by describing her qualities based on their previous understanding of her, but as the discussion evolved students began to question the actions of the step-mother. "What if she had been mistreated at a young age, so she now does the same to Cinderella?" or "Does she actually like Cinderella, but doesn't want to make her daughters jealous?" These were just some of the interesting questions posed and unpacked by my 5th grade students. What is the theme or key message that is hidden beneath the surface of these stories?
When we stood back and examined the vast range of stories present in the fairytale Cinderella we began to see that their were some patterns in behaviour and actions from the characters and themes that were emerging. So where to next? We used the Main Side Hidden thinking routine as the strategic platform from which to explore multiple perspectives in a text and then used these perspectives to compose an imaginative paragraph of writing from one of the character's point of view. Students were able to choose which character's perspective they wanted to write from and were given the following 4 criteria for their piece:
Discussion Prompts:
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AuthorHi, I am Alice. I am a primary teacher and leader in New South Wales, Australia. I have been teaching for the past 14 years in both the Public and Catholic school systems. I am passionate about supporting and mentoring colleagues to think deeply about their efforts to cultivate thinking and learning opportunities for students. Read more Archives
August 2023
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