Turn & Talk

Apr 25, 2008

Talking and listening strategies
by: Sue

That idea is great!Students attending to the task is crucial for effective learning.

To encourage participation in oral language tasks, I play a game with my students. I have used this K - 8 - I just adapt the complexity of the task.
The game is called Soapbox. (based on the way speakers used to put theirs views forward in public places) It is especially good when teaching debating and exposition/argument but can be adapted for all text types as the need arises.
A topic/idea is given. The students have to decide their point of view and stand at a designated part of the room. In the centre there is a chair. The first person is chosen to come and stand on/near the chair(soapbox)- watch OH&S - and give their point of view, with reasons. From that students can move to the side of the room supporting that view or stay put. The next speaker has an opposing view and states their ideas and reasons. Again, the students can change places. This continues until everyone speaks.
My students love it. I love it because they must articulate their view and give reasons and evidence to support it. It allows students of all abilities to participate (self-differentiates the activity). Students have to really listen and think in order to participate effectively. It also takes away the worry some students have of speaking in public.
It is especially good for engaging boys in purposeful oral language.

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Apr 25, 2008
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Submitted by: Sue

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That idea is great!Students attending to the task is crucial for effective learning. To encourage participation in oral language tasks, I play a game with my students. I have used this K - 8 - I just adapt the complexity of the task. The game is called Soapbox. (based on the way speakers used to put theirs views forward in public places) It is especially good when teaching debating and exposition/argument but can be adapted for all text types as the need arises. A topic/idea is given. The students have to decide their point of view and stand at a designated part of the room. In the centre there is a chair. The first person is chosen to come and stand on/near the chair(soapbox)- watch OH&S - and give their point of view, with reasons. From that students can move to the side of the room supporting that view or stay put. The next speaker has an opposing view and states their ideas and reasons. Again, the students can change places. This continues until everyone speaks. My students love it. I love it because they must articulate their view and give reasons and evidence to support it. It allows students of all abilities to participate (self-differentiates the activity). Students have to really listen and think in order to participate effectively. It also takes away the worry some students have of speaking in public. It is especially good for engaging boys in purposeful oral language.

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