A Look Inside Kid Talk Teacher Talk Workshops

In our recent engaging discussion, workshop co-leaders from "Kid Talk Teacher Talk" delve into their upcoming workshop's intricacies and impactful experiences. This interview with Jason Sullivan, Cassie Stark, and Leton explores how the workshop aims to transform educational dialogues and enhance student engagement through innovative teaching methodologies. They discuss the pivotal shift from teacher-led to student-centered learning, emphasizing the development of dialogue and discourse within the classroom. The leaders share their personal insights and the evolution of the workshop, highlighting its benefits and the essential skills it imparts to educators. This conversation, which has been edited for length and clarity, is a must-read for teachers looking to foster a more dynamic and interactive learning environment.

Noshin: Could you explain a bit about what Kid Talk Teacher Talk, the workshop, is about?

Jason Sullivan: The workshop began in my district in 2007, reaching New York City in 2017. It's about creating engaging storylines for science units and focusing on student discourse, shifting the balance of conversation from teacher-led to student-centric dialogue.

Noshin: What do you think is the most important takeaway for teachers from Kid Talk Teacher Talk?

Kasie Stark (Kate): It’s crucial for teachers to grasp the small, practical components of classroom management and interaction. The workshop excels in breaking these down and allowing teachers to practice, enhancing their ability to facilitate student conversations that can sustain themselves without teacher intervention.

Noshin: How can the content of Kid Talk Teacher Talk help teachers improve their skills in the classroom?

Leton Hall: Participating in the workshop as a mentor for elementary school teachers, I found that it effectively demonstrated how to set up engaging student interactions with minimal teacher direction. This hands-on, trial-and-error approach is vital for applying theoretical knowledge in practical, classroom settings.

Noshin: What do you think will be the most engaging part of the workshop?

Leton Hall: The most engaging part is directly working with students, which allows for immediate feedback on the activities planned. It’s exhilarating to see real-time student engagement and understanding.

Jason Sullivan: Additionally, the opportunity for teachers to step back and observe student interactions without direct involvement offers a unique perspective not commonly available in regular classroom settings, highlighting the power of well-designed instructional activities.

Noshin: As we conclude, what is the key takeaway you want teachers to have from attending this summer's workshop?

Kasie Stark (Kate): I hope teachers leave with practical experience in designing and testing instructional strategies that they can refine and apply in their classrooms. This practice run is invaluable for preparing effective lessons for the new school year.

Leton Hall: It’s also a chance for teachers to experiment without the pressure of formal evaluation, fostering a supportive environment for professional growth and confidence in trying new approaches.

If you're interested in joining KT3 this summer, please sign up by clicking the link below.

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