Overview
The Instructional Strategies Center is your all-in-one destination for implementing effective, research-based instructional strategies using Discovery Education’s trusted, vetted resources. Whether you're teaching in the classroom or supporting curriculum development, the center helps you plan, model, and personalize instruction with ease.
How do I access the Instructional Strategies Center?
- Log in to your Discovery Education account.
- From the left main menu, select Instructional Strategies.
The center is designed to support both quick planning moments and deep dives into instructional design.
What will I find in the Instructional Strategies Center?
The site is organized to give you multiple pathways for exploring strategies that fit your goals, students, and context. Here's a breakdown of the main sections and features:
Explore by Strategy
Visit the Instructional Design section and browse a full library of instructional strategies—from discussion protocols like Four Corners to processing tools like Frayer Models and Quick Writes. Learn about the three-phase instructional design model grounded in McRel’s model for best fit instruction.
Explore all strategies or filter to match your instructional goals:
- Activate Thinking: Spark curiosity and grab students’ attention before a lesson .
- Build Knowledge: Help students make connections and build new knowledge related to a topic.
- Apply Learning: Provide opportunities for students to apply their learning and develop skills.
Each strategy provides a library of graphic organizers, PDFs, student videos and student activities.
Tip: Use the filters in the activity sections to match your grade and subject needs.
Templates & Printables
Every strategy includes a ready-to-use pdf guide designed for immediate classroom application or staff PD.
The Instructional Walkthrough Videos are short videos (2–4 minutes) that accompany many strategies to guide students in how to complete the activity.
Thinking Skills
Explore using the Thinking Skills section and select strategies based on the type of thinking you want students to develop—such as analyzing, evaluating, or creating—rather than starting with subject or content.
Browse strategies by selecting from the 10 thinking skills, then access classroom-ready templates and pair Discovery Education content to immediately apply them in lessons.
- Start with a learning goal (e.g., "I want students to compare ideas") and choose a matching thinking skill.
- Access strategy overviews, graphic organizers, student video models, and activity templates designed to activate that skill.
- Use across subjects and grade levels to support rigorous, student-centered instruction.
Subject Based Strategies
The Subject-Based Strategies section organizes instructional strategies by core content areas: ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Future Ready Careers. This section is especially helpful for educators seeking strategies that support subject-specific demands, pacing, and practices.
Activity Templates
Looking to dive-in? Go to the Activity Templates section and select ready-to-use instructional strategy templates by activity. These flexible templates come ready to add Discovery Education content and assign to students.