To find out more about the methodologies, ideas and activities listed on this page have a look at the Classroom Activities and Download Resources for Cities:

4. Value lines (or Four Corners)


The aim is to get pupils to stand up for what they believe in, literally, in an active way.

The activity needs enough clear space for pupils to form a line and move up and down:

      1. Tell pupils
        a) they are going to line up along an imaginary line according to what they feel in response to a statement - one end of the line is "Strongly agree"; the other end is "Strongly disagree" (these can be displayed on opposite walls)
        b) not to just follow what others do, as they may be asked to justify their opinion according to where they are standing
      2. For this step:
        a) Read out a statement like "There are too many cars on the road" (Most pupils will probably agree)
        b) Ask a few pupils from different pats of the line to justify their stance
      3. For this step:
        a) Read out a related statement such as: "When I am 18 I want a car of my own" (Most will agree)
        b) Ask for justifications.
      4. Repeat with further related statements such as: "Farmers should get a fair wage"
      "Food should be as cheap as possible" etc.
      5. Ask what they have learnt from this. They should note that people have different opinions, beliefs, values but also that sometimes our own values are in conflict.
      An alternative is to use (and label) 4 corners of the room (Strongly agree- Agree - Disagree - Strongly disagree) and do the activity that way.

Books: