One of the questions I’m often asked is how to get quieter children to participate. I have quite a few suggestions for this – here are three to start:
1. No hands up: Use random selection sometimes, or other systems such as ‘speaker chooses’. Target children to talk when appropriate (for example: I’m wondering what you’re thinking, Janey).
Using hands up to decide who speaks is very common. Unfortunately, it means that the same few pupils talk, and it gives a clear message to children that only the confident children need to participate. Less confident talkers will not become more confident unless they are given opportunities. Hands up also gives a message to the quieter members of the class that their views and ideas are not valuable.
So, stop using hands up and try the above suggestions in combination with other techniques such as thinking time, pair talk or jotting, to set up students for success.
2. Structure and practice: Dedicate time and opportunities to develop oracy skills. You could have a weekly or daily talk time.
3. Talking toys: Turn-taking in whole class, groups or pairs can be enhanced by passing a toy or other object which signals to the student holding it – Your turn to talk.
These techniques don’t just help the quiet children. They support the development of high-quality talk and listening for all.
