Four corners is an instructional strategy that asks students to make a decision in regards to a question asked or a problem presented. Students must decide if they agree, strongly agree, disagree, or strongly disagree with the statement.
The teaching strategy, four corners is an engaging activity that allows students to focus their thinking about a topic. As well, it gives them an an opportunity to present their ideas to a smaller audience.
Four Corner Instructions
- Write the words agree, strongly agree, disagree, and strongly disagree in bold letters on poster paper. Laminate the posters for longer use.
- Tape the posters to each corner of the room.
- Read a statement to students, such as "Wearing a helmet when riding a bike should be mandatory." As well, the statement is written on the board for students to refer to as they ponder the statement.
- Students listen to the statement and must decide if they agree, disagree, strongly agree, or strongly disagree. Students should be given a few minutes to collect their thoughts before they move to the appropriate corner of the room.
- At each corner, students will pair with another student to discuss his/her position. It is important for students to interact with each other on the topic before it becomes a class discussion.
- After the pair discussion, each corner group will discuss their position. Students must be active listeners and speakers as all students will be sharing the information with the rest of the class.
- Next, teacher will have a group discussion to share their views on the statement. After the discussion, students may change their position in the room. If a student chooses to change positions he must defend his choice.
- Final step is for students to write a paragraph or essay about their positions on the statement.
Four corner activity engages the student in the debate but also gives them an assortment of ideas to defend his position.
Four Corner Sample Statements
- Kids should be paid to attend school.
- Pop should be banned from school cafeterias.
- Children should have television sets in their bedrooms.
- Age of majority should be lowered to age 16.
- Driver licenses should be issued at age 21.
- School should be only 4 hours a day.
- Kids should be allowed to watch any movie, regardless of rating.
Four corners is a wonderful engaging activity that focuses student thinking. Critical thinking skills are developed during this activity as it makes the student make a decision and defend it. Four corners can be implemented in classes from kindergarten to university level courses.
Debbie DeSpirt - Debbie DeSpirt is an Elementary Teacher for the York Catholic District School Board in Ontario, Canada. Her post secondary education ...
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