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.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Read, Think, Chat, Write Routine
Use the "read a little, think a little, chat a little, write a little" routine to promote academic talk.
Give students time to formulate thoughts before discussion to improve conversation quality.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Use Sentence Stems and Facilitate
Use sentence stems to help students, especially multilingual learners, start academic conversations.
Join groups to facilitate and encourage quieter students to share their thoughts.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Socratic Seminar Success Story
Jami was amazed at her first Socratic seminar with second graders where even a supported learner talked nonstop.
This experience made her realize students can meet high academic expectations if given the chance.
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Episode 218 is chock-full of super practical ways to implement academic talk in your classroom tomorrow!
Elementary science teacher Jami Witherell shares her insights on fostering academic discourse in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of giving students time to think before they speak. She discusses practical strategies for engaging students in conversation, including the 'read a little, think a little, chat a little' approach, and the implementation of Socratic seminars and fishbowl discussions. Jami highlights the significance of preparation and creating a safe space for all students, especially multilingual learners, to express their thoughts and ideas. Her personal experiences as a multilingual learner shape her passion for ensuring that every student feels their voice matters in the classroom.
Fourth grade teacher Lauren Proffitt discusses the importance of oracy in education, detailing how her school has implemented a school-wide goal to enhance students' speaking skills. She explains the significance of structured routines and strategies that promote student engagement through talk, emphasizing the role of oracy in both academic and lifelong skills. The discussion also covers peer observations, collaborative learning, and effective management of classroom discussions, providing practical insights for educators.
Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ™