Students love to talk! How can we get them engaged and talking about their learning? 21st century skills of communication, collaboration and problem solving can evolve at a young age when you intentionally develop a learning community. By carefully scaffolding activities, students can become successful in participating as leaders, learners and listeners. The techniques can be adapted to work not only with young children, but also across grade levels. In fact, this approach to learning was adapted from one of the graduate classes implemented at Calvin College.
Amy begins the year giving her Early 5’s students opportunities to develop conversational skills with their partners/neighbors by using simple response questions. These questions move beyond getting to know one another to conversing about topics we are learning about in the classroom. Students become engaged in the process as they discover we are all teachers in our community.
Judy begins her year in a similar way. Once students feel confident conversing with each other, teamwork is introduced. Special focus is taken before each team meeting to craft a positive and caring climate. The roles of leaders, team members and presenters are developed over time, so students are able to function in each team role.
