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.
More ways to develop dialogue
