If a picture is worth a thousand words, this book is a gold mine. It provides a simple canvas that enables students to understand a key topic and how it relates to their lives. The canvas upon which this understanding is constructed is a simple form known as a “Frame.” On the Frame, the teacher and students will record the key topic being discussed, the main ideas related to the topic, and the essential details related to each main idea. In addition, they’ll develop a one-line explanation of the topic as well as a “So What?” Statement that identifies what is important to understand about the topic.

This guidebook includes specific steps for introducing the Frame, the steps for developing Frames as a part of whole-class discussions, procedures for teaching students how to create their own Frames, helpful ideas for adapting instruction over time, and different versions of the Frame for use with key concepts containing up to eight main ideas.

Learn More about the research behind The Framing Routine