Phase 1: Word-Phrase-Sentence with primary sources from Densho
 Select several primary source documents that represent a range of perspectives. The
more documents involved, the more complex the learning activity becomes. Divide
students into small groups, with each group analyzing a different document.
Word-Phrase-Sentence
A routine for “essence capturing” and exploring the meaning of text from a variety of
personal viewpoints.
1. Review the text that you have read and select: (5 minutes)
a. A word that captured your attention or struck you as powerful.
b. A phrase that moved, engaged, provoked, or was in some way meaningful
to you.
c. A sentence that was meaningful to you and helped you to gain a deeper
understanding of the text.
2. In your group, have each member share his/her word selection and discuss why
he/she selected it. Have a recorder write each person’s response (see model
format). After everyone has shared and discussed their word selection, repeat for
the phrase and sentence. Discussing the choices and making connections to
other’s choices is heart of this routine. (15-30 Minutes)
3. Look at the group’s responses. (15 minutes). Consider:
a. What common themes emerge in the group’s responses?
b. What implications, interpretations, or predictions (your choice here will depend
on the type of text being read)surrounding the text emerge from the group’s
responses?
c. What aspects/points from the text were missing from the group’s discussion?
Why do you think this is?
4. Have each group member reflect briefly on his or her current understanding of
the text and how the protocol process contributed to his or her understanding.
(5 Minutes)
Adapted from the National School Reform Faculty’s Text Rendering Experience