Participants reflect on and choose from a set of short texts, images, or prompts and then move to an area of the room or “corner” that matches their choice, where they will share rationales for selections in the small group. Everyone who wishes to has the opportunity to share. The whole group reconvenes and takes a few moments to debrief the experience. This may include noticing patterns, divergent thinking, implications for the group’s work, or other ideas suggested by the facilitator and participants.
When and Why
Back to topFour Corners is helpful in promoting the importance of divergent perspectives and the value of having all voices heard within a group. Participants have the opportunity to connect with others while hearing a variety of reasons for being drawn to the same ‘corner.’ This can be particularly effective when the facilitator anticipates multiple, and perhaps conflicting, points of view emerging around the work to follow and wants to maintain a sense of belonging. The activity also can inject energy into the room and, when done in person, allows for movement.
How to Facilitate
Back to top- Reflect on the current contexts and demographics of your participants and the purpose of this engagement.
- Select a set of statements, images, or prompts that are engaging, diverse, respectful of participants’ identities, and aligned to the content and context of the engagement. Mark four or more areas in the room and, in each, hang a large poster of one of the images or words from the chosen prompt.
- Preview the category and images/texts with the whole group (e.g., “Today we’re going to look at four images and you’ll choose the one that most closely reflects how you’re feeling about your leadership, at this moment.”). Participants silently reflect on all of the choices and select one that resonates with them.
- Invite participants to move to the corresponding “corner” of the room and take five minutes to share what drew them to that choice. Ask them to break into groups of up to four if there are more than five people in their ‘corner.’ If you end up with a solo participant in a “corner” or breakout room, join that person to hear their thoughts, using a timer to keep on track for bringing the group back together.
- Debrief with the whole group by inviting two or three participants to share their choice and rationale (or one person from each “corner”). If time permits, facilitate another debriefing question and then share why you chose this activity and how it is aligned with the purpose of this engagement. For example:
- Ask participants to reflect on their experience of doing the activity. What did they notice about their own thinking and feelings?
- What do they notice about the size and composition of the groups?
- What SEL competencies/focal constructs were evident during the activity?
Modification
Back to topIn a virtual environment, create breakout rooms that have the same names or numbers as the prompts you share. Invite participants to join a breakout room of their choice. If there are five or fewer people, each person shares for a minute. One person volunteers to be the timer. If six or more people are present, ask participants to first use the chat function to share why they chose this image/statement, and then have a group discussion about what emerged. Return to the main virtual room for the whole group debrief.
Examples
Back to topCorners – Quotes about courage