1. +
Big Paper Activity
Give Every Student a Voice

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Preparation Step 1

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Write a series of questions that you
want students to consider

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Preparation
Form a group of 3 or 4
 Move your desks into discussion formation
 Send one group member to the front to
obtain the following:
 4 different colored markers (distribute to the group)
 1 piece of chart paper (put in the middle of your desks
with the question face down)
Remember
 Do not discuss the question or write on the paper yet

5. +
Part I
Comment on your own big paper
 Silently turn over the chart paper
 Each group has a different question written on the chart paper
 All group members must silently read the question
 Silently respond to the question in writing
 Remember, your response is your opinion (here is no right or wrong answer)
 Each student is to comment on the question
 Group members will silently respond to their group members’ answers in writing
 Responses can address the question or ask another related question
 You can draw lines connecting questions/comments to other questions/comments
 Essentially, you are to conduct a written conversation
 Remember
 More than one student can be writing at the same time
 All communication should be in writing. No talking!!!

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Part II
Comment on other big papers
With your group rotate to another discussion
group.
Read the question on their chart paper
Using your markers build on the conversation
already there
Remember
Still no talking!

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9. +
Part III
Return to your own big paper
Return to your chart paper
You may now break your silence
Look at any comments on your paper written
by others
As a group identify one or two questions or
comments that stand out to you
Be prepared to share with the class

10. +
Part IV
Class discussion
 Debrief
 Thoughts?
Questions?
Reflection on having a silent conversation