The Compass Method

Most students don’t struggle with writing because they “can’t think.”
They struggle because they don’t have a process for thinking deeply before they write.

This lesson introduces the Compass Method™—a dynamic, repeatable thinking routine that transforms brainstorming from a checkbox into a discipline. Instead of rushing students toward a claim, the Compass slows them down just enough to explore complexity, perspectives, and context before committing to a direction.

This isn't just another graphic organizer. It's a thinking routine that helps students:

• See the full landscape of an idea before choosing a direction
• Move beyond obvious takes and into nuanced, multi-dimensional thinking
• Build essays from a place of clarity, not confusion

What's included:

• Step-by-step teaching guide with sentence starters and scaffolds
• Student-facing pages and examples
• Adaptable prompts for any topic or text

By the end, students won't just have ideas—they'll know how to discover them.