Tip Sheets
Cooperation in the Preschool Classroom:
Class Discussions
Class discussions can teach children respect for others, communication skills, how to interact with peers and adults, and how to vote. Learning these cooperation skills is a goal set by the Illinois Early Learning Standards (see Social/Emotional Development Standards).
What is a class discussion?
A class discussion is different from the usual circle time. It is a meeting that brings children together to discuss ideas, solve problems, organize the day, plan activities, or celebrate what goes well.What do children gain from class discussions?
They learn to- listen and respond to others. "Dan agrees with Tia's idea. Who has anything to add?"
- ask questions and share information. "Jamal wants to report what he learned about snow. Then you can ask him about it."
- set expectations together. "All of you voted to make 'Hands to yourself!' a class rule."
- think about time. "After the meeting, we usually go outside."
- solve problems and make decisions together. "Jada, you wanted snack time to be earlier." Jada might then reply, "Yes, I want us to vote."
- plan what to study and how to share knowledge. "What are some ways you could show what you learned about eggs?"
- build relationships and gain a sense of community. "You had a very long talk, and you made a plan that works!"
What is the adult's role?
The adult facilitates class discussions by- including them in the daily schedule.
- stating the purpose of class discussions. "It's time to choose songs for our Open House." (Note: If you have meetings only to handle problems, children may start to dislike them.)
- helping children remember to "speak up," take turns, stay on topic, and listen to others.
- encouraging children to give each other suggestions.
- keeping track of children's ideas or questions on an easel or whiteboard
What's a good schedule for class discussions?
- You can start the first day the children are together. You might have one to start the day and one to "wrap it up."
- Early in the year, a 5-minute class discussion may be long enough. Several short ones may be better than a long one that makes children restless. As children get used to them and see their benefits, these discussions may last 15 minutes or more.
How can I find out more?
You can find out more in these two books: Ways We Want Our Class to Be: Class Meetings That Build Commitment to Kindness and Learning by Developmental Studies Center (1996); and Class Meetings: Young Children Solving Problems Together by Emily Vance and Patricia Jimenez Weaver (2002).Also, see these Web sites:
- The Classroom - A Caring Community
http://www.uen.org/k-2educator/classroom.shtml - Encouraging Child-to-Child Conversation
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/conversation.htm - Webbing about Babies: Video
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/videos/webbing-babies.htm - Comparing Firefighter Coats: Video
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/videos/firefighter-coats.htm
Spanish: La cooperación en el aula preescolar: Discusiones en clase
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