Recently, we started a Book Club for Radio 5th Grade, by Gordon Korman.  Yesterday we started to talk more about this story in a small group setting, a book talk group.  We thought about what that would look like.  There were certain things we would look for during a Book Talk.

It would look like….

• Students are facing each other in a circle.
• Students would be taking turns with talking.
• Students would use non verbal skills for communicating thoughts.  For instance, students might nod to show they agree with something.  A smile might demonstrate that you like what someone is sharing.
• Eyes would be on the speaker.
• Hands are in your lap, your book, or reading/writing journal.
• Use a signal to show who’s turn it is to speak.  i.e. bean bag

It would sound like….

• Kids are sharing with a regular talking voice.
• Positive/polite responses are given.
• Kids make sure to listen actively.  You might start by saying, “It sounds like you’re saying….”
• Kids take care not to talk over others and wait for a turn.
• Kids ask questions to dig deeper when a thought has been shared.
• We ask to make sure everyone has had a chance to add what they want.  For instance, I might say, “Does anyone have anything else to add to my thought/question?”

Here’s a video that shows one way a group might proceed during a Book Talk.

The volume for the students sharing isn’t great, but if you pay attention to the subtitles, it gives you an idea of how a Book Talk process might flow.