Deeper Learning is the ability to understand and address the complex elements of a subject or topic and to draw connections within and across contexts—whether that means the same class, another discipline, students' community, or the broader world.
The following videos elevate curricular materials and classroom practices that showcase specific foundational elements of instruction and pedagogy aligned to Deeper Learning as outlined in the Deeper Learning Guidance Tool . Although the indicators of Deeper Learning are interconnected, the expectation, is not for every example to contain every indicator of deeper learning. Rather, the examples included in the gallery are the result of intentional planning routines and relevant pedagogical strategies implemented by educators to foster the student capacity and creativity of the students in front of them.
Cultivating Deeper Learning in Literacy/ELA: Pre-K
Watch as this class uses pre-taught vocabulary and previous learning about animals to discuss how different species take care of their babies.
Cultivating Deeper Learning in Literacy/SLA (Spanish Language Arts): K-2
Watch as students in a bilingual classroom engage in literacy centers to expand their knowledge and share their thinking about grade appropriate topics.
Cultivating Deeper Learning in Literacy/ELA: Grade 1
Watch as students write procedures to plan a birthday party.
Cultivating Deeper Learning in Literacy/ELA: Grade 3
Watch as students engage in student-led book groups in a dual Language classroom.
Cultivating Deeper Learning in Literacy/ELA: Grade 5 (Poetry)
Watch as students discuss a poem about culture and ways to adapt to new experiences.
Cultivating Deeper Learning in Literacy/ELA: Grade 5
Watch as student analyze an informational text about the impact of plastic on the Environment.
Cultivating Deeper Learning in Math: Grade 1
Watch as students asked to identify and use different strategies to solve equations. Through multiple opportunities for discourse, students explain their thinking and choice of strategy to their peers.
Cultivating Deeper Learning in Math: Grade 5
Watch as students create a budget for dinner with a friend at a local restaurant.
Cultivating Deeper Learning in Math: Grade 6 (Area Composites)
Watch as student use their knowledge on solving expressions and geometric shapes to design a golf course.
Cultivating Deeper Learning in Math: Grade 6 (Comparing Rates)
Watch as student use their knowledge on rates and ratios to determine on which store has the better deal on household products during Black Friday shopping.
Cultivating Deeper Learning in History: Grades 10-12
Watch as student plan for outreach out to local elected officials as they combat the drinking water crisis at their school.
Last Updated: March 26, 2025
kaleidoscope@mass.gov