Tip 4: Why Pair-Shares are Good for Language Learners

How does it work? A topic, or essential question, is presented. Students are asked to share their thoughts with the student sitting next to the, the student across from them, or a peer selected for them. Teacher walks around the room to listen in on discussions, ensuring all students are speaking and listening.

Why is it good?

1. Pair-shares let the students top and reflect on what they already know or what they have learned. This mental pit stop is critical for ELLs, because you want to increase the number of comprehension checks throughout the lesson. Use them frequently!

2. It gives all students a chance to listen and speak the target academic vocabulary. Can they use the word correctly when telling a friend what has been learned?

resource The Language-Rich Classroom