Think–Pair–Share is a simple and highly practical active learning strategy that gives every child time to think, talk and contribute. Instead of asking a question and immediately calling on individual pupils, the teacher first gives everyone time to think independently. Pupils then discuss their ideas with a partner before some of the ideas are shared with the whole class. This simple structure can help young learners develop confidence, active listening, communication and reasoning skills, while encouraging the participation of children who may be less likely to speak in a whole-class discussion. Think–Pair–Share can be used across different subjects and can easily become part of everyday classroom routines.
1. Read about Think–Pair–Share
Start with The Teacher Toolkit for a short and practical introduction to Think–Pair–Share. The resource explains the three simple steps – Think, Pair and Share – and provides practical suggestions for when the strategy can be used during a lesson.
You will also find two useful variations: Think-Listening Pair-Share, which places greater emphasis on listening to a partner, and Think-Pair-Square, in which two pairs join together to continue their discussion.
Read: Think-Pair-Share – The Teacher Toolkit
As you read, think about a question or topic from one of your own lessons that could be explored using the Think–Pair–Share routine.
2. Watch Think–Pair–Share in action
Now watch the Elementary Video on The Teacher Toolkit page to see Think–Pair–Share being used with primary school pupils.
The classroom example provides an opportunity to observe how the strategy works in practice rather than simply reading about its three stages.
And please watch the next video too. The video shows primary students learning and using the Think-Pair-Share protocol as a simple way for all students to get a chance to think, talk, and learn from others. Students first practice with an easier question from personal experience, and then with one that is text-based. This video is narrated by students, and can be shown to students to help them learn this simple routine for productive conversations.
While watching, pay particular attention to how the activity is organised and how pupils move from individual thinking to talking with a partner and sharing their ideas.
Think about your own classroom: How could you make the transitions between Think → Pair → Share clear and easy to follow for your pupils?
3. Ready-to-use teacher material
Ready to try Think–Pair–Share with your pupils?
The Teacher Toolkit provides a downloadable Think-Pair-Share Elementary direction sheet that can be used to give pupils a clear structure for the activity.
The structured sheet is suggested for Grades 2–5. For Grade 1, pupils can record ideas in their subject notebooks before sharing and comparing them with a partner. With even younger learners, drawing can replace writing.
Look for “Download Templates – Think-Pair-Share Elementary” on the page.
Think-Pair-Share Elementary – The Teacher Toolkit
4. Other resources
Reading Rockets – Think-Pair-Share
Would you like to explore the strategy in more depth? Reading Rockets provides an excellent practical resource for elementary teachers. It includes classroom examples, guidance on differentiating the strategy for younger learners and pupils with different learning needs, a Think-Pair-Share template and additional classroom videos.
Explore Think-Pair-Share – Reading Rockets
Stanford DREME – Think-Pair-Share
The Stanford DREME Network shows how Think–Pair–Share can be used with young children in mathematics. The resource is particularly useful for understanding how the strategy can support not only mathematical thinking but also reflection, turn-taking, working memory and self-control.
It also presents visual Think-Pair-Share cards, which can be particularly helpful when introducing the routine to younger pupils.
Think-Pair-Share: Practicing Math and Executive Function Skills Together – Stanford DREME
OER4Schools – Think-Pair-Share
OER4Schools provides an additional open educational resource on the strategy, with practical advice specifically relevant to primary classrooms. One useful idea is to develop simple hand signals with pupils for Think, Pair and Share, helping children recognise when it is time to move to the next stage of the activity.