Hexagonal Thinking: Blank Templates for ELA

Hexagonal thinking is a rich way to inspire discussion at any point in a novel. With these templates, student groups first create the elements they will connect in six categories (characters, themes, style, symbols, connections to other works, connections to the modern world), then cut them out and arrange them.

Students arrange the hexagons based on their discussion of how they connect, then add connection arrows that explain why key hexagons correlate. For this activity, since there is no right answer, every student will have different ideas about how the different elements can connect, leading to a unique and complex conversation.

In the end, groups can gallery walk to see the webs of elements and connections others have made.

These templates are designed to make this an easy activity to do with any novel. Not to mention low prep! (A nice twist on the traditional method of a teacher creating dozens of hexagons and passing out sets to each group).

Here's what's inside:

• 6 themed pages of blank hexagons
• A directions page for you, including specific instructions and advice for doing this project with your students
• 4 pages of connection arrows in different colors and styles

Check out the preview to see it all.

Questions? Drop me a line at betsy@nowsparkcreativity.com.