By Keri Grossnickle

1. The Samoan Circle By Keri Grossnickle What it is and how to use it!

2. Why Use The Samoan Circle? • Use as pre or post assessment (or both) or as a warm-up and/or cool-down. • Encourages “accountable talk” or meaningful constructive talk among students. • Allows engagement of legitimate discussion with minimal interference from the teacher • Promotes open-ended questions • Fosters high-quality dialogue • Kids enjoy it – whether they prefer to speak or sit back and observe!

3. The Ground Rules • Two circles will be formed, one inner and one outer. • Occupants of the inner circle sit down facing each other. • Occupants of the outer circle stand behind the inner circle and should observe and listen intently while taking notes (optional, but recommended). • Only the inner circle occupants may speak. • An occupant of the outer circle may “tap in” to join the conversation. The person tapped then moves to the outer circle and must remain a silent observer (while taking notes). • Members of the inner circle remain part of the discussion until “tapped out.” • If the discussion strays, the facilitator refocuses the group back to the question/topic. • All students must participate in the inner circle at least once, even if he/she has to repeat or elaborate on something that has been said OR pose a question to those in the circle.

4. The Example Share an idea/best practice you learned from observing a colleague last week.

5. Samoan Circle “Grossnickle Tips” • Pose the question or topic to the class. • Have students record their answers on paper. • Participate in the Samoan Circle. • After the discussion or the entire lesson, have the students return to the paper and attempt to answer the question again (closure activity). • The quality and quantity of the students’ work improves.

6. Samoan Circle “Grossnickle Tips” • Provide one or more talking chips to each student, thus forcing everyone to speak and simultaneously curbing those with an incessant need to talk.  • Once in the inner circle, students may not leave until they have spoken. • Students who may need “help” thinking of something to say can be given the option of repeating and elaborating on what has already been said. • Allow students to ask each other questions in the circle, thus stimulating more conversation.

7. Samoan Circle Content Examples • Math • How do we use geometry in everyday life? • The answer is 10. What is the question? • Language Arts • Cite examples of similes used in the text and explain their meaning. • Give an example of an action verb and its past tense. • Social Studies • What do you know about the feudal society of the Middle Ages? • Describe a significant event in the life of Confucius. • Science • Share what you know about the solar system. • Explain the many ways that water is used in every day life.

8. Samoan Circle Content Examples • Physical Education • Provide examples of activities that require muscular endurance. • Chorus • Compare the English and Spanish versions of this song. • Art • Describe how the world would be different if it were colorless. • Foreign Language • Ask and respond appropriately to questions about personal information, and leisure activities in Spanish. • Band • Compare adagio to allegretto. • Current Events • What do you think should happen to Michael Vick as a result of his recent dog-fighting charges?

9. Questions?