What Do You See?
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What do you see in a collection of shapes and lines? What else can you see?
This is a quick lesson that can take 2-10 minutes and be repeated regularly. The adult draws shapes and lines within a square (roughly 18”) on the board and asks “What do you see?”. Students pair/share or group share. “Does anyone else see that too?” “What else can you see?” This activity supports close observation, envisioning, engagement, comfort with ambiguity, and perspective taking. |
Why this is important
This activity supports close observation, envisioning, engagement, reflection, and perspective taking. Students learn to tolerate ambiguity, communicate their perspective clearly to others, and practice flexible thinking. Seeing the adult create drawings haphazardly helps perfectionists who never feel their drawings are “good enough”. The moment students say, “Oh! I see that too!” is one that develops a culture of belonging and shared discovery. By practicing this routine, students are improving their curiosity, imagination, and story-creation skills.
This activity supports close observation, envisioning, engagement, reflection, and perspective taking. Students learn to tolerate ambiguity, communicate their perspective clearly to others, and practice flexible thinking. Seeing the adult create drawings haphazardly helps perfectionists who never feel their drawings are “good enough”. The moment students say, “Oh! I see that too!” is one that develops a culture of belonging and shared discovery. By practicing this routine, students are improving their curiosity, imagination, and story-creation skills.