Instructional Conversation
Teaching students through dialogue.
Stone Soup
Age of Students: 3-5 years
The teacher reads a picture book with a small group of children and engages them in a discussion with a clear learning goal. The teacher assesses and assists children in order to further their understanding of various aspects of the story.
Peanut Butter and Jelly
Grade Level: Kindergarten
The teacher and students discuss the steps involved in making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich while they work together to make that joint product. Students then recount the process as their teacher writes down the story.
Puzzle Pieces
Age of Students: 3-5 years
The teacher has a discussion with a small group of children while they complete a puzzle. To assess their understanding, the teacher questions children about their rationale as they decide where and how to place pieces in the puzzle.
Grandmothers
Grade Level: 4
While reading a story together, the teacher asks students to make personal connections to the story as they discuss their experiences with their own grandmothers.