Silent Discussion with D & C Twist
by Meredith Collins, 8th Grade LA
Step by Step Guide to a Silent Discussion with D & C Twist
- Set your classroom norms. For me, this means letting kids know there’s no talking throughout the activity. Everyone’s voice will have the opportunity to be heard!
- Let students know they will have THREE rounds.The first round is for them to respond to the quote or picture that is at the center of the butcher block. They will be given an icon before they begin their round. The icon gives them the lens for viewing the picture or quote. The second round is to comment on their peers responses. The third round is geared specifically toward seeing if anyone responded to their comments--they may branch off of any discussion during this time. Each round consists of several stations--you decide. I typically use six. Students spend one minute at each station (total of 6 minutes or 36 minutes for the entire activity). Be sure to keep track of the time.
- As the instructor, you’ll be able to comment on several of the student’s responses--when they see you responding, they will want to add to each of the stations!
- Come together as a whole group and discuss each of the pictures and quotes.