This year, our Year Five students have taken part in “Socratic circles” on a range of texts and topics. Socratic circles (or seminars) are student-led conferences where the topic is provided but the content of the discussion is decided by those offer opinions or questions within the circle. There is a strong emphasis on making your voice heard but also listening to other members in the group. Respectful boundaries are set up at the beginning of the discussion and each member is held accountable by a partner who sits in the “outer circle.”
The partners are not allowed to speak, but must observe carefully and provide useful feedback. Here is what some of our Year Five students had to say about Socratic circles:
“It’s a way of expressing our thoughts and emotions while letting us all get a turn to speak.”
– Violet
“Socratic seminars are a great way for students to share their learning and opinions without feeling the stress of talking to the whole class.”
– Calvin
“Socratic seminars helped me to talk more freely and to hear about other people’s amazing facts about a topic.”
– Tamara
We look forward to continuing to use this useful tool in the weeks and months ahead.
Peter Butchatsky
Year 5 Team Leader
