Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ™
Building Better Academic Talk Routines in K-8 Classrooms
Feb 21, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Jami Witherell, an early elementary science teacher with a passion for multilingual learners, shares her strategies for academic discourse. She emphasizes giving students time to think before speaking and discusses innovative approaches like Socratic seminars and fishbowl discussions. Lauren Proffitt, a fourth-grade teacher, highlights the importance of oracy in education, showcasing her school's initiatives to boost students' speaking skills. Together, they explore creating supportive environments for vibrant, inclusive classroom discussions.
01:08:55
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Quick takeaways
- Implementing the 'read a little, think a little, chat a little' approach provides students with structured routines for enhancing academic discourse.
- Structured formats like Socratic seminars and fishbowl discussions promote critical thinking and respect for diverse perspectives in student conversations.
Deep dives
Engaging Academic Talk Strategies
Creating an environment where students engage in academic discourse is essential for their learning. One effective strategy is the 'read a little, think a little, chat a little, write a little' approach, which provides a structured routine for students to process information. This involves giving students time to digest what they've read before participating in discussions, thus enhancing the quality of their conversations. Such preparation allows students to formulate their thoughts effectively, leading to more meaningful dialogue with peers.
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