5 Talk Moves
Using The 5 Talk Moves In Mathematics
1) Revoicing
This move involves restating the statement as a question in order to clarify, apply appropriate language, and involve more students. It is an important strategy to reinforce language and enhance comprehension for ELLs.
Prompts teachers can use include:
"You used the hundreds chart and counted on?"
"So, first you recorded your measurements in a table?"
2) Rephrasing
Asking students to restate someone's ideas in their own words will ensure that ideas are stated in a variety of ways and encourage students to listen to each other.
Teacher Prompts include:
"Who can share what Sarah said, but using your own words?"
3) Reasoning
Rather than restate, as in talk move 2, this move asks the student what they think of the idea proposed by another student.
Teacher prompts include:
"Do you agree or disagree with Julio? Why?"
4) Elaborating
This is a request for students to challenge, add on, elaborate, or give an example. It is intended to get more participation from students, deepen student understanding, and provide extensions.
Teacher prompts include:
"Can you give an example?"
"Do you see a connection between Amy's and Stan's ideas?"
"What if..."
5) Waiting
Ironically, one "talk move" is to not talk. Quiet time should not feel uncomfortable, but should feel like thinking time. If it gets awkward, ask students to pair-share and then try again.
Teacher prompts include:
"This question is important. Let's take some time to think about it."