Talk to Me, GooseBalancing Teacher and

Student Talk in the Classroom

Chris Thompson and Kaye BrockbankSpanish Fork Junior High, Nebo District

Anyone? Anyone?

Nobody wants to be this guy, or (worse) his students!

Four Criteria. . . Engage all students Encourage use of academic and

general vocabulary (ELL focus) Accountability doesn’t have to be

written Create a safe environment

• Manage (don’t just tolerate) noise• Model Expectation• Give Guided Response Templates

Speed Grammar! Get to know your neighbors!

• (see handout and ppt.)

Read, Share, Listen, Repeat!(Danger Zone)

Students pair and share a piece of content-based reading twice, then listen carefully to their third partner and teach what they just HEARD in the fourth pairing. This is tough!

NOTE: This is the only way to watch Top Gun as the music spares us of any and all 80s corniness.

When you hear the music, wander and find a new sharing buddy.

Short Story Talk-Thru Overview

Read 3 short stories in a unit Diagram plot (review) Plot tweaking (just change the

setting) Brainstorm in groups the new plot

ideas Share with the class (vote) Decide on our own plots and diagram Share in pairs

Plot Tweaking in Groups

Do they have to write to be accountable?

Turn takingListeningSafety in Sharing

Would this have been as effective had there not been a common text?

Share with the Class (Vote)

Note the excitement and the use of academic vocabulary.

Remember, these are 8th graders who are tweaking well established plotlines in an attempt to outdo one another. A discussion regarding animal cruelty and the politically incorrect use of the word “hobo” ensued.

Pair and Share Our Own Plots

Finally,We writeour ownplotlinesand

share.

PowerPoint Book Chatting Let’s give it a try!

• See Book Chat ppts.

Allusion Game in Teams Let’s use student-generated allusions

and see how we do!

• See Allusion ppt.

Guided Response Templates Give Students an Excuse to Sound Academic

IRONY

The audience knows _____________, but ____________ is unaware of it.—dramatic

________________ says “______________” but means the opposite.—verbal

One would expect _____________ BECAUSE ____________________, but INSTEAD the opposite occurs.—situational

Sentence Starters Also Provide Safety and Aids Understanding

Theme• As humans we often . . .• In life we sometimes . . .• It is human nature to . . .• At some point in life everyone . . .

Moral• People should(n’t) . . .• It is not a good idea to . . .

Remember. . .

Our Students Want to Share!

Get Them Talking!