This is a short video which I often show on P4C training courses. In it the brilliant Will Ord, trainer and speaker, explains a way to help children engage more effectively in dialogue with others. Too often, he says, students will give their response or thoughts without really considering what previous speakers have said. By having them use connectable objects such as Lego bricks to symbolise their connecting ideas, we can support them to think more collaboratively.
To get the most from this approach, I would recommend providing talk prompts for expanding or building on. For example, Adding to what Zack said… or I have been listening carefully and I would like to add a new point.
Give these techniques a try and see what effect they have in your classroom.
