The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast | ELA
Education:How To
This week, I want to share a quick way to help make your next discussion better.
The next time you plan a discussion in class, start it off with this quick warm up.
Invite every student to write an open-ended question about the reading or the current book at the top of their notes. Then ask them to pass their notebook to the left and let their neighbor respond for a minute. Then have them pass again. The next neighbor reads the question, the response, and then responds to both. Maybe do it two more times. Now pass all the notebooks back.
As you begin your discussion, invite someone to ask a question they responded to to the group. They won’t be taking much of a personal risk, asking someone else’s question. And you know at least two other people have given it some thought at this point. Your class is now primed to talk about the questions on everyone’s mind, since every question on paper has already received some serious thought from several people. When discussion begins to fade on the first question, invite the next.
I usually use warm-ups like this with a student-led discussion format called Harkness. So students know that I am not going to dive into every silence to rescue the group, and they ask the questions on their own. If you’re curious about that method, shoot me a DM on Instagram @nowsparkcreativity and I can do another show about it if you want.
I’ve repeatedly found that 5-10 minute discussion warm-ups make all the difference in creating a richer and more active discussion, so that’s why this week I want to highly recommend that you give one a try! I’m sure you’ll think of lots more ideas once the concept of a warm-up becomes built into your routine.
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023: Why you Need Discussion Warm-Ups
022: 10 Top Books for your Classroom Library
021: The Best Websites for ELA Teachers
020: Authentic Audiences for Student Work
019: Active Learning outside the Classroom Walls
018: A Simple Trick to Cut Grading Time
017: Get Started with ELA Escape Rooms
016: ELA Maker Spaces
015: Building Professional Community as a Teacher
014: Creative Secondary Decor
013: The First Day of School doesn't have to be Boring
012: 3 Simple Systems for a Creative Classroom
011: Classroom Mini-Flips
010: Creative Assessment Options
009: Show your Administration your Strengths
008: Harkness Discussions (are awesome)
007: Why You Should Try Poetry Slam
006: 10 Ideas for your Professional Development (Besides Conferences)
005: How to Get Started with a Classroom Collaboration
004: Theater and Performance Activities for ELA
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