Something To Talk About

What's a teacher facilitation move that seems small, but can have a powerful impact on classroom conversations? When we interviewed educators for this podcast series, the idea that came up most frequently with this question of small, but powerful moves was wait time. But as you’ll hear, everyone thought about wait time a little differently. Featuring Lauren Carr, Matthew Kay, Dawnavyn James, and Caroline Sweet. 

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Hands Down, Speak Out

Not Light, But Fire

Patterns of Power en español

It's tempting to equate listening with compliance. Schools often describe being a “good listener” as sitting up straight, making eye contact, and being quiet while others (often the teacher!) are talking. 

So today we’re going to hear from educators who are thinking about listening in different ways. We’re thinking about what all the ways listening can look and sound like? And we’re wondering how we can help students (and ourselves) keep growing as listeners.

Today's guests are Christy Thompson, Caroline Sweet, Santasha Dhoot, Jennifer Orr and Allison Hintz. 

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Patterns of Power en español

Hands Down, Speak Out

Intentional Talk

Mathematizing Children's Literature

In today’s episode we’re talking with educators about power in classroom conversations and beyond. We’re reflecting on who holds power in classroom conversations, what that looks like, and how we can disrupt inequities we notice. Find out what Elham Kazemi, Lauren Carr, Matthew Kay , Dawnavyn James, and Caroline Sweet think about how we can make our classroom conversations and communities places where students feel like their voices are included and important. 

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Hands Down, Speak Out

Intentional Talk

Not Light, But Fire

Patterns of Power en español

What’s hard about classroom talk? And how are you working to get better? Find out what Jennifer Orr, Dawnavyn James, Lauren Carr, and Santasha Dhoot say on Episode 4 of the Something to Talk About mini podcast.

And we’d love to hear from you! Let us know how you’re rethinking participation in classroom conversations.. Leave a comment on the blog, or connect with us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. 

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Hands Down, Speak Out: Listening and Talking Across Math and Literacy

In Episode 3, Stenhouse editor and author, Kassia Wedekind asks: 

How might we rethink our ideas about participation in classroom conversations? 

You’ll hear from literacy coach Christy Thompson, first-grade teacher Lauren Carr, high school teacher Matthew Kay,and third-grade teacher Jennifer Orr.

And we’d love to hear from you! Let us know how you’re rethinking participation in classroom conversations.. Leave a comment on the blog, or connect with us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. 

Learn More:

Hands Down, Speak Out: Listening and Talking Across Math and Literacy

Not Light, But Fire: How to Lead Meaningful Race Conversations in the Classroom

In Episode 2, Stenhouse editor and author, Kassia Wedekind asks: 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten about classroom conversations?

You’ll hear from literacy coach Christy Thompson, high school teacher Matthew Kay, first grade teacher Santasha Dhoot and math education professors Elham Kazemi and Allison Hintz.

And we’d love to hear from you! Let us know what piece of advice about classroom conversations has stuck with you. Leave a comment on the blog, or connect with us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Choice Words: How Our Language Affects Children’s Learning

Opening Minds: Using Language to Change Minds

Hands Down, Speak Out: Listening and Talking Across Math and Literacy

Not Light, But Fire: How to Lead Meaningful Race Conversations in the Classroom

Intentional Talk: How to Structure and Lead Productive Mathematical Discussions

Welcome to the Something To Talk About, a podcast and blog series about all things classroom discourse! In each episode of the Something to Talk About mini podcast we ask just one juicy question about classroom discourse to a group of educators.

In Episode 1, Stenhouse editor and author, Kassia Wedekind asks: 

What are some of your greatest hopes for your students as talkers and listeners? And what kind of practical routines will you set up at the beginning of the year to help build that community?

Take a listen to hear from third grade teacher, Jennifer Orr, first grade teacher, Santasha Dhoot, and authors of Intentional Talk, Elham Kazemi and Allison Hintz.

Meet the Educators in this Episode 

Jennifer Orr has spent more than twenty years teaching and learning with elementary students from kindergarten through fifth grade. She currently teaches third graders at Fort Belvoir Upper School in Fairfax County, Virginia. She tweets @jenorr and blogs at jenorr.com.

Elham Kazemi is the co-author of Intentional Talk and the co-editor of Choral Counting and Counting Collections. She is a professor of mathematics education at the University of Washington. Elham works alongside teachers to create thriving mathematical classrooms centered on children’s mathematical thinking. She is deeply committed to building university-school partnerships that tackle social and academic inequities and create strong professional learning communities for teachers to learn from and with their students. Elham tweets @ekazemi.

Allison Hintz is the co-author Intentional Talk and the co-author of the upcoming Mathematizing Children’s Literature.  She is an associate professor of mathematics education at the University of Washington, Bothell. She studies teaching and learning alongside educators to create experiences where children are heard, understood, and inspired as mathematical sense makers. Allison tweets @AllisonHintz124.

Santasha Dhoot (She/Her/Hers) is a Punjabi Sikh first-grade teacher in the Greater Seattle Area. She graduated from the University of Washington with a Masters in Teaching. She has a passion for educational justice and aspires to be a part of building an education system in which all students thrive. She loves learning alongside our youngest students and believes our future is bright because of them. You can follow Santasha on Twitter @tashadhoot.

Resources Mentioned in Episode 1

Something to Talk About Blog

https://www.nctm.org/Standards-and-Positions/Catalyzing-Change/Catalyzing-Change-in-Early-Childhood-and-Elementary-Mathematics/

https://www.stenhouse.com/content/becoming-math-teacher-you-wish-youd-had

https://www.stenhouse.com/content/which-one-doesnt-belong

https://www.stenhouse.com/content/how-many

https://www.stenhouse.com/content/intentional-talk