Accountable Talk

A learning discussion where each contributor is held accountable to give reasons and evidence for opinions and ideas.

Makes students an ACTIVE PART of whole class mini-lessons, read-alouds, and activities.
Allows all students to participate in conversations and practice speaking and listening skills.
Provides an opportunity for students to practice what the teacher has just modeled.
Gives students opportunities to rehearse their thoughts with a partner before sharing in a small group.
Extends student thinking by exposing them to multiple perspectives.

Create and post an anchor chart with cues to teach and reinforce the process.
Explain what it means to be accountable. Tell students that when we are accountable, we are responsible. When we have a discussion during class, we expect everyone to be accountable for what they share.
Introduce one or two talk stems to student (as appropriate for age and needs of the class). Model examples of times when you might use the stems in discussion.
Have students practice a collaborative conversation and ask them to use the talk stems.
Circulate among the students and listen to their conversations.
Praise students for using active listening, for sharing their ideas, for staying on topic, and for being accountable for their ideas.
Progressively model and add new stems to the anchor chart to build students discussion repertoire.

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