I might suggest two ideas. One, break the conferring task in to smaller parts. Two, model the process.
Identify what you are hoping that the students will discuss (characters, climax, setting) and create a list of ideas to be displayed and title it "Discussion Topics". Then, model for the students what a conference looks like. I often model conferring with a colleague or responsible student. At the beginning of our modeling, we identify (as part of our discussion) what we are focusing our conversation on. (Example: "Hi Sarah, what did you think about the main characters in Number the Stars?") We role play a discussion, making sure that we are careful to include and CORRECT trouble spots. Afterwards we ask the students to identify what we did to make this a successful conference. (Eye contact, extend the other person's idea, respectfully disagree, etc.) We list these behaviors on a chart as well and display this. You can label this something like "Successful Conference Behaviors". Students can refer to this list during their own discussions. Give them the opportunity to practice one of the discussion suggestions (characters, setting, etc.) Model as often as necessary they will not get it right away. Follow up by listening for great conversations and then sharing these snippets with students. You can even have students reenact their successful discussions. Once they become proficient, you won't have to "assign" a discussion topic. Good Luck, Sandy -----Original Message----- From: Cnjpalmer <[email protected]> To: write <[email protected]>; Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group <[email protected]> Sent: Sun, Jan 2, 2011 3:44 am Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] conferring They have to be taught how to behave. First, make explicit what benefits come to them from being on task... What it is they are learning during this time... You need to create a sense of urgency. I do this by talking about the power of good writing... The power to make someone laugh or cry... The power to change someones mind... Or change their brains by teaching them something ... I hold up favorite books by authors who are long gone and talk about how writing can make u immortal in a way. Then I ask someone to share what is being lost when they are off task. Create a poster together of what it looks like, sounds like and feels like when you are on task and off... Then I would actually take time to have someone model proper behavior. I would also end with a sharing time where kids share what they accomplished ... Or use sone kind of self reflection piece for accountability Jennifer Sent from my iPhone On Dec 31, 2010, at 10:59 PM, [email protected] wrote: > Before school starts on Monday, I need to have a better plan for how > to handle conferring in my classroom. > I teach middle school. My students are fine during mini lessons or > when they are working independently. > When I have a conference with an individual or a small group, > everything seems to fall apart. The rest of the class seems to > think conferring means it's their opportunity to get off task. > I've asked my colleagues for help, but all I've gotten is that I > have to let the class know I expect them to keep working. That > advice has not helped me. > If you have a specific suggestion that has worked for you, please > let me know. Thanks! > Jan > > > _______________________________________________ > Mosaic mailing list > [email protected] > To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to > http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org > . > > Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. > _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
