METHOD

Talking Stick

The pupils use a stick or another object to ensure that only the person holding it may speak.

This method encourages pupils to listen to each other and wait until the speaker has finished before taking their turn.

1

The pupils sit in a circle where everyone can make eye contact.

2

Ask a question or set the topic the pupils should speak about. Explain that they can signal with their body language when they’re ready to receive the stick from someone else.

3

They take turns receiving the stick and speaking, while the others listen without interrupting.

4

When they have finished speaking, they pass the stick on to another pupil who signals with their body language that they want to receive it.

5

Continue until everyone has spoken or the time is up.

Didactic tips:

  • The method can, for example, be used for pupils to share what’s on their minds during a trip or to evaluate a process.
  • Explain that it’s okay not to say anything if it’s not important that everyone speaks.
  • If everyone is required to speak once, they can step back, and thus out of the circle, once they have contributed.
Tags: Speaking, reflecting, listening
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Act

MODES OF ORGANISATION:

  • Group
  • Whole class

TOOLS / MATERIALS:

  • Stick or another object