Pens of Destiny

• A pen or new, unsharpened pencil of the same brand or model for each student, so they feel like they are all on a level playing field. 

Pens of Destiny will prove to be a challenging—and possibly frustrating—activity, but it will push students to deepen their level of trust and cooperation.

1. Give each student a pen (or new, unsharpened pencil) and ask them to stand in a circle.

2. Have students hold the pen in their left hands, at shoulder height.

3. The pen should be held so that one end of the pen is pressed against the tip of the left index finger.

4. Each student places the tip of their right pointer finger against the other end of the pen held by the student standing to their right, thereby suspending the pen between only the tips of the two students’ index fingers.

5. Then, have the circle of students complete simple tasks, such as:

•  Rotating the circle

• Squatting

• Standing up and sitting down

• Standing on their tip toes

• Lifting one knee up

6. Close the activity with a debrief, either verbal or written, using a few of the questions from the Stage 4 Debrief Prompts.

To increase rigor: 

• Have students complete more challenging tasks—such as jumping or walking through a doorway—around your classroom or school, all while keeping the pens suspended between their index fingers.

To increase scaffolding: 

• Allow students to support the pens with their index and middle fingers.