One-Pagers

The one-pager is a strategy for responding to a text that helps students demonstrate their unique understanding of a text and/or lesson.

The purpose is to synthesize the meaning of the content and demonstrate visually and in words the meaning for the reader. It is also a tool to share perceptions among students and to allow the teacher to assess student comprehension.

One Pagers can be used in a variety of ways, including: providing a platform for partner and group discussions that highlight different perspectives demonstrated in the one-pagers, serving as the basis for a Socratic Seminar discussion, or functioning as a review resource prior to a quiz or exam.

HANDOUTS and RESOURCES:

Creating a One-Pager

One-Pager Guidelines

One Pager Packet of Templates

STEPS:

Following a unit of study, distribute the Creating a One-Pager handout and explain the requirements of the one-pager as follows:

EXCERPTS: Include two or more excerpts from the text/notes that are deemed important. (These excerpts should be notable quotes that jump out at the reader and paint a picture that illustrates thinking.)
GRAPHICS: Include a graphic representation (e.g., drawing, magazine picture, computer graphic, symbol). This should tie to the unit of study as a whole).
PERSONAL RESPONSE: Include a personal response (i.e., comment, connection, interpretation).
TITLE: Include a title (featuring the concept, unit of study, or text).
ENTIRE PAGE: Fill the entire page.
COLOR: Use markers or colored pencils for the graphics and pictures.
CHECK BOXES: Have students check off the box as they complete each task on the Creating a One-Pager handout.

SCAFFOLDS:

To adapt this lesson for primary classes:

Guide students to select images or ideas from a read-aloud and act out their interpretation of the text, idea, characters, or unfamiliar vocabulary.
Show the One-Pager Samples Teacher Resource 1.4b, or display a teacher-created exemplar of a simplified version of a one-pager, and model how to create one after a read-aloud or reading assignment.
Require one quote from the text. For early grades, ask for a word and illustration, and then build up to sentences and a short summary of the gist of the reading as appropriate.
Move around the room, conferring with students as they draw and write responses.
Ask students to share completed one-pagers in front of the class and allow other students to ask questions and make comments.
Introduce the one-pager as a way to respond to text during independent reading time and ask students to talk

OTHER RUBRICS:

One-Pagers can be loosely defined, adapted to your lesson and activity. Checklists can be personalized to your class, as long as they are a graphic summary of the lesson.

EXTENSION:

To increase rigor:

• Display one-pagers throughout the room and have students do a gallery walk to see how others represented the text or concept. Using sticky notes or a running comment sheet for each one-pager, direct students to note questions or comments for the author.

• Ask students to revise and add on to their one-pager based on what they learned from a follow-up discussion or from viewing others’ work.

STUDENT EXAMPLES:

1ST GRADE