After spending time with you exploring the basics of a reading-based socratic seminar, we would like to share some resources that you can use to extend your knowledge and consider further application in your classroom.
At the elementary level, you may want to consider scaffolding a student led discussion by focusing on one skill at a time. Jennifer Seravello has some excellent lessons in her book The Reading Strategies Book: Your Everything Guide to Developing Skilled Readers. The following lessons may be helpful in scaffolding how to have a meaningful conversation:
12.3 Invite Quieter Voices (p. 330)
12.4 Say Back What You Heard (p. 331)
12.5 Taking Turns Without Raising Hands (p.332)
12.11 Keep the Line Alive (p. 338)
Are you a visual learner? Here are some videos of Socratic Seminar in Action:
An educational video with explanations and students in action
Third Grade Inclusion Class Example
Do you like to read blogs of other educators?
Using Socratic Seminar in the Art Room
Socratic Seminar in Kindergarten
How to Liven Up Socratic Seminar
Our Handouts
The cover page was derived from this informative site:
Benefits of Socratic Seminar at the Elementary Level
Directions to get you started.
Question Stems:
Sorted Stems by Focus of Conversation
If you would like to work together, please don’t hesitate to ask!