The Importance of Talking in the Classroom

We are first taught to speak and as soon as we start going
to school, the teachers tell us to be quiet. Now, as future
teachers we are learning the importance of having a
classroom of talkers. Children learn so much from their
peers when talking is used in various ways. Talking also
helps students develop higher level thinking.

Through small group conversations, students are able
to practice strategies for conversing. They learn to take
turns, to listen to each other and ask questions. In grand
conversations, students are able to discuss a story that
they have been reading in literature. In instructional
conversations,students are able to talk about subjects
that they have been learning about and are able to work
on their academic language.
Children also learn when they dramatize stories,prepare
oral reports and participate in debates.

In the classroom, I plan to have the students prepare
scripts and learn to debate. It is essential that children
learn to speak in public since it will be done the rest of
their lives. I firmly believe that everyone will be put in
a position where public speaking will be necessary. Having
children practice in the classroom will prepare them for
their future.

I have benefited from talking in class enormously since
returning to college. No matter how many notes I take,
I always miss out on something. Hearing information from
my classmates and listening to what they got out of
something has helped reinforce many main ideas. There
have been numerous times before a test when I have
studied long hours, but upon arriving early in the class,
I have walked in on others reviewing. I remember these
conversations during the test. I am indebted to many of
them who unknowingly helped me pass my tests!