Mix-Pair-Share
Big Idea
Grade
Directions
Getting started:
2. The Students mix around the classroom. I have them put their hands behind their back or have one hand up, so they can pair with a "high-five" partner when it's time.
3. The teacher calls "pair" and the students all freeze and find a partner that is close enough to high five. If students cannot pair with someone close, they shoot their hand in the air and move to someone who also has their hand in the air.
Students Mix-Pair-Share freely:
4. Once students are initially paired with their first partner, they begin to share (on any topic).
5. When each partner has shared they now have the chance to Mix-Pair-Share again.
6. Each partner puts their hand in the air (signaling they are now looking for a new partner).
7. Students pair with a new partner and share.
8. The learning/sharing structure continues until the teacher decides they've done enough sharing.
*The teacher can also manage when the students move on to a new partner. I prefer to let them decide when it's time to move on to a new partner, but there's a time for both options.
When to use
Kids can share new learning, ask and answer questions, share their writing, share thoughts about reading.
This is also great for building community. The kids can share about themselves in the beginning of the year or connect with each other over a long weekend.
Strategy Variations
Students can use Mix-Pair-Share to share their writing. The other partner can offer feedback or just be an audience.
This really does work with any content area.