To develop effective dialogue, train your class to consider whether they want to Agree, Build or Challenge:
Agree: A child affirms someone’s point and gives reasoning (I agree with X because…)
Build: A child adds new information, extends the idea, or connects it to something else.
Challenge: A child questions, tweaks, or offers a different perspective — remembering to do so in a thoughtful, respectful way.
Inspired by the ABC model of classroom dialogue (Agree, Build, Challenge), as described by educators including Doug Lemov and Alex Quigley.
Help students to use the language of Maths
Statements to get your class thinking and talking in the lead-up to the holidays
The advantages of getting students to pass the talk to each other
Another simple way to increase interaction and develop pupil talk
The importance of modelling constructive talk.
