SIM Content Enhancement Routines

The Content Enhancement Routines (CERs) are dynamic instructional tools that use powerful teaching devices and procedures to plan for and teach critical content in an understandable and easy-to-learn manner. Teachers engage students collaboratively to develop understanding in a way that maintains the integrity of the content while meeting both group and individual needs. 

CERs are responsive to a range of student needs in content area classes.  They were designed to provide instruction for all students, including those with learning challenges.

Planning and Leading Learning

These Content Enhancement Routines help teachers think about and organize content, then present it in such a way that students can see the organization.

• Course Organizer Routine
• Unit Organizer Routine
• Lesson Organizer Routine

• The SMARTER Planning Instructional Cycle

Increasing Performance

These Content Enhancement Routines helps students complete work in the classroom.

• Quality Assignment Routine
• Recall Enhancement Routine
• Vocabulary LINCing Routine

Explaining Text, Topics, and Details

These Content Enhancement Routines help teachers and students explore text, topics, and details.

• Framing Routine
• Clarifying Routine
• Survey Routine
• ORDER Routine

Teaching Concepts

These Content Enhancement Routines help teachers present complex concepts so students gain a deep understanding and develop a shared vocabulary for talking about important information.

• Concept Mastery Routine
• Concept Anchoring Routine
• Concept Comparison Routine

Higher Order Thinking and Reasoning

These Content Enhancement Routines help students engage in the critical skills of higher order thinking and reasoning required by state standards. Learn more about the HOTR Routines.

• Question Exploration Routine
• Cause and Effect Routine
• Concept Comparison Routine
• Cross-Curricular Argumentation Routine
• Scientific Argumentation Routine
• Decision-Making Routine

Please note that professional development, coaching, and infrastructure support are essential components to effective implementation of SIM instructional tools and interventions. It is highly recommended that you work with a SIM professional developer. Please email simpd@ku.edu to learn more.