Using Think-Pair-Share in the Classroom

Summary

The Think-Pair-Share strategy is an effective teaching method used in classrooms across various grades and subjects. It involves students in a three-step process: first, they think about a topic, then they pair up with a partner to discuss it, and finally, they share their thoughts with the whole class. This approach encourages active participation, especially among students who might be hesitant to speak up. The script demonstrates the strategy using the nonfiction text 'An Egg Is Quiet,' prompting students to compare it with another book they've read, 'A Seed Is Sleepy,' fostering critical thinking and class engagement.

Takeaways

• 📚 Think-Pair-Share is an educational strategy used in classrooms to facilitate discussion and understanding of content.
• 🤔 It involves three steps: students think about a topic, pair up with a partner to discuss, and then share their thoughts with the class.
• 👥 This strategy is designed to be inclusive, encouraging participation from students who might be hesitant to speak up in a larger group.
• 🔄 The process starts with the teacher stopping at a key point in the lesson to prompt reflection and discussion.
• 🤝 Students are encouraged to find a partner, ideally using an 'elbow-to-elbow, knee-to-knee' position to foster engagement.
• 🚫 The strategy discourages random pairing and crossing the room, emphasizing proximity and focus.
• 📖 The script features a nonfiction text, 'An Egg Is Quiet', which is used to demonstrate the Think-Pair-Share strategy.
• 📖 A comparison is made between 'An Egg Is Quiet' and another book 'A Seed Is Sleepy', highlighting similarities and differences.
• 💡 The teacher guides students to think critically by asking them to compare books and find clues about the authorship.
• 🗣️ The sharing phase allows students to express their thoughts, with the teacher calling on groups randomly to maintain fairness.
• 🌟 Think-Pair-Share is praised for its effectiveness in engaging students, especially those who are less likely to participate in class discussions.

Q & A

What is the 'Think Pair Share' strategy?

The 'Think Pair Share' strategy is an informal classroom technique where a teacher stops at a key point in the lesson to ask students to reflect on the content, discuss it with a partner, and then share their thoughts with the class.

What is an alternative name for the 'Think Pair Share' strategy?

Some teachers refer to the 'Think Pair Share' strategy as 'Turn and Talk'.

Why is the 'thinking' part of 'Think Pair Share' considered important?

The 'thinking' part is crucial as it allows students to collect their thoughts before sharing, which can lead to more meaningful contributions to the class discussion.

What are some rules for the 'Think Pair Share' strategy?

Rules include finding a partner if you don't have one, getting elbow-to-elbow and knee-to-knee for discussion, and not walking across the room to find a partner.

How does the 'Think Pair Share' strategy engage students who might be reluctant to speak up?

The strategy allows for an extra moment of thinking and sharing with a friend before speaking to the whole class, which can help engage students who are less likely to participate in class discussions.

What book is used to demonstrate the 'Think Pair Share' strategy in the script?

The book used to demonstrate the strategy is 'An Egg Is Quiet' by Diana Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long.

How does the teacher prompt students to think during the 'Think Pair Share' activity?

The teacher asks students to compare 'An Egg Is Quiet' with a previously read book, 'A Seed Is Sleepy', and to think about their similarities before turning to a partner.

What is the significance of the nonfiction text 'An Egg Is Quiet' in the classroom activity?

The nonfiction text serves as a content piece for students to reflect upon and discuss, allowing them to practice the 'Think Pair Share' strategy in the context of understanding and comparing texts.

What similarities do students identify between 'An Egg Is Quiet' and 'A Seed Is Sleepy'?

Students identify that both books have colorful and different subjects, and both are described as 'clever', suggesting similarities in their themes and descriptions.

How does the teacher ensure fairness during the 'Think Pair Share' activity?

The teacher calls on groups, partners, and individuals randomly to share their thoughts, ensuring that all students have an equal opportunity to participate.

What is the purpose of the 'Think Pair Share' strategy in the classroom?

The strategy aims to enhance student engagement, promote active thinking, and encourage participation in classroom discussions, especially among students who might be less inclined to speak up.