Grand Conversations

1
Grand Conversations

• 1. Read book - independently or teacher reads
  aloud
• 2. Prepare for conversation students draw
  pictures or write in reading log
• 3. Small-group conversations (optional) - can be
  a small-group Grand Conversation or preparation
  for class Grand Conversation
• 4. Begin conversation if small group, use
  circle if class, students sit so everyone can
  see each other
• Teacher asks Who would like to begin? or What
  are you thinking about?
• Student makes comment other students take turns
  talking about idea introduced by student

2
Grand Conversations

• 5. Continue conversation student introduces a
  new idea
• Students talk about it, make connections, provide
  details, and read excerpts from story to make a
  point
• No more than three comments per student until
  everyone has spoken at least once
• 6. Teacher asks questions to direct students to
  aspects of story that were missed or to make
  comparisons
• 7. Conclude conversation teacher summarizes /
  draws conclusions
• 8. Reflect on conversation - students write in
  reading logs