A spy walk invites students to silently move around the classroom to observe their peers’ work. If a student or small group is struggling for ideas, the teacher might encourage them to take a spy walk to gather inspiration. The purpose of a spy walk is not for students to copy another’s work, but to provide an opportunity to notice strategies, representations, and approaches that could spark new thinking. In this way, students learn from the collective thinking of the class, while also recognising the value of different perspectives.
To make the walk purposeful, it is helpful to give spies clear prompts about what to focus on—for example, What strategies are other groups using? or How are they showing their thinking? Such guidance supports deeper noticing and helps students to bring back specific insights. As they observe, students reflect on how these approaches compare with their own and consider how they might adapt or extend their ideas. When they return to their work, they do so with fresh insights and the chance to revise, extend, or refine their responses.
Discuss with your colleagues:
- What do you use with your students that serves a similar purpose to a spy walk?
- How could you incorporate a spy walk into your lesson for students who would benefit from the opportunity it provides?