In a kindergarten classroom, the Four Corners strategy can be adapted to fit the age and developmental level of the students. Instead of using abstract labels such as “strongly agree” or “disagree,” the corners can be labeled with concrete and age-appropriate options.
1. The “Yes” Corner: This corner represents students who agree or say “yes” to the question or statement being discussed. For example, if the question is “Do you enjoy playing outside?”, students who enjoy playing outside would gather in this corner. This corner can also be labeled with a visual cue such as a thumbs up or a smiley face.
2. The “No” Corner: This corner represents students who disagree or say “no” to the question or statement being discussed. Continuing with the previous example, students who do not enjoy playing outside would gather in this corner. This corner can be labeled with a visual cue such as a thumbs down or a sad face.
3. The “Sometimes” Corner: This corner represents students who have a mixed or neutral opinion about the question or statement. For instance, if the question is “Do you like eating vegetables?”, students who sometimes enjoy eating vegetables or have a neutral opinion would gather in this corner. This corner can be labeled with a visual cue such as a question mark or a thinking face.
4. The “I Don’t Know” Corner: This corner represents students who are unsure or do not have enough information to make a decision about the question or statement. It is important to create a safe and non-judgmental space for students who are unsure or still processing their thoughts. This corner can be labeled with a visual cue such as a blank face or a puzzle piece.
Using these concrete options allows kindergartners to better understand and participate in the Four Corners strategy. It enables them to express their opinions and encourages critical thinking skills. It is important for the teacher to facilitate discussions after students have chosen their corners, allowing them to explain their choices and engage in respectful dialogue with their peers.
Personal experience:
In my own kindergarten classroom, I have used a modified version of the Four Corners strategy. For example, during a discussion about animals, I asked my students if they preferred dogs or cats. I labeled the corners with pictures of a dog and a cat, and the other two corners were labeled “Both” and “Neither.” This allowed my students to choose their preferences and share their reasons for their choices. It was fascinating to see how their opinions differed and how they respectfully debated with one another.
By using concrete options and visual cues, the Four Corners strategy can be an effective tool in engaging kindergartners in decision-making and critical thinking processes. It encourages active participation, promotes respectful dialogue, and allows students to express their individual perspectives.