Chalk Talk
A routine for open-ended discussion on paper ensuring all voices are heard.
![]() Description: The Chalk Talk thinking routine provides an opportunity for everyone to be given a chance to be heard. Thinking becomes visible and it encourages students to consider others' viewpoints.
How to Use the Strategy: Refer to pages 78-83 in the book Making Thinking Visible: How to Promote Engagement, Understanding, and Independence for All Learners. Content Application: * Combine the Step Inside routine with a Chalk Talk. Assign students a role in which they must write in the Chalk Talk from that point of view.
Classroom Story:
Dana Pennanen uses Chalk-Talk in 7th Grade Mathematics These routines work well in the classroom and at home. Using the Chalk Talk routine at home with my kids provided more information than we might have had in a conversation because it was recorded on paper. Instead of just saying, "How was your day?" and getting a one word response, I was able to write "Why was your day good?" and learn more detailed information about their day. I'm excited about the effectiveness of this routine. This routine has helped enhance students' writing. Last year I would sometimes get the groans, "Is this a CERC?” This year the kids are like, “Okay! I've got this!” They are very confident, and their evidence and reasoning are linking together." |
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