Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 4 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

​Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions. Carry out assigned roles.

Lesson 1
Here are some possible rules.
-Eyes on the Speaker (or At Least Near Them)
-Hands Empty & Body Still
-Check in with yourself: its not like a video game designed to hold your attention with a reward; you have to hold your own attention and make sure you are working to understand.
-Speak Calmly and Clearly

What other rules could we add and why?

Look at the rubrics in the reference section. How would you rate yourself for each rule (skill) now? What evidence might we look for?


Watch the videos in part 8 of this lesson 
http://www.wearetough.org/3-ways-to-be.html

How would you rate these people? What evidence did you use?

Which rules from the list we made do you feel are most important? Any repeats?


Lesson 2 
Review the rules from yesterday.
Watch the videos in the sidebar. Remind students that they are in charge of thinking while they watch and having something to say about the video: something they liked, were confused about, that it reminded them of / connected to.

After the videos, reflect together:
Introduce the sentence starters in the Reference menu.

Use whole class Think-(Write)-Pair-Share with randomized calling to share their thoughts.

Ask why the think time is so important? What do they think is happening in their brains during that time? 

Narrow down and chart your list of rules (3 to 7 is a good number).

Lesson 3
Review the students thoughts about the videos yesterday. Zero in on an issue that is rich for further discussion about 1 video.
Watch the video: remind students that it is their job to have ideas ready to talk about.

Discuss the Video:
Use clarify (ask questions about thing you don't understand), summarize, extend (make your own connections) as a discussion framework.

Use a triad with one representative who will share the groups thoughts.