Everyday we write a 4 or 5 sentence response after reading. In the past, I just put the question on the board and had them write their own responses. No collaboration. Just independent writing.
After our PD on collaborative and substantive conversations, I had to think of a way to incorporate this idea into my everyday activities.
The idea I came up with fairly simple, but gets the job done. And I have to say, I'm so excited I started doing this. I love hearing them talk about the questions and sharing ideas. It really makes their written responses stronger!
1st: Give each table a white board (if you don't have one, chart paper works just as well) and tell them to write the question on it.
2nd: As the students talk about the question, jot down their ideas. I usually set the timer for five minutes. I circulate around the class to make sure they are on the right track and to ask, "Why do you think that?" A LOT!
3rd: When the timer goes off, the students write their written response individually using the notes their group made.
It's simple, but magical!
Happy Teaching,
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