Elementary Discussions

In the Triplett article I read for our class jigsaw reading I learned different ways on how I can incorporate discussion into an elementary classroom. Before reading this article I thought it would be way too difficult to incorporate discussions into a classroom at the elementary level. Triplett stated, “Elementary students can have discussions that promote higher order thinking. When topics are related to children developing identities, including race, gender, and class.” Triplett also stated later in the article that, “Students reported in interviews that book discussions were the most important aspect of their motivation and comprehension.” These two statements taught me that it is very necessary that teachers involve elementary students in discussion at an early age to aid in their comprehension and open doors for students to relate what they are reading to their everyday lives.

Monday in class we also talked about recitations and discussions which also made me think about incorporating them into my classrooms. I really liked how we talked about how discussions made students aware that there are multiple answers to questions, and how both recitations and discussions are a good way to balance comprehension. We talked about how it is necessary to have multiple ways of assessment for variety and balance. Above all, I remember someone in class brought up wait time. This made me think about my current placement. During my social studies and science lessons I taught for 401, my teacher always gave me wonderful feedback. For both lessons she told me I need to improve on my wait time. She said I asked wonderful questions but I did not allow enough wait time so that all the students had time to think about what I was asking them. I feel that this component is very necessary in a classroom because every learner is different. Every learner comprehends knowledge at different levels, and we as teachers need to acknowledge this and allow enough time for students to think about the question they are being asked. If a teacher allows enough wait time, then the students will be able to have a more fruitful discussion because hopefully every student will be able to contribute.

I am excited for our Language Arts lesson because we will be able to have a discussion with our students. In science we were able to have a mini discussion with a small group of students. Through that discussion I learned that it is hard for a teacher to prepare for what will come up during the discussion so it is important for teachers not to over-prepare and allow students to bring up what is on their mind.