BUYING TIME TO THINK What is “buying time”? Why is it important? How can you “buy time” before answering a question? Copyright © 2015 The Teacher Writing Center, a division of SG Consulting, Inc. 

Warm-Up The child was supposed to put away her toys. She hears her mother coming. What do you think she should do?

Discuss Responses The child was supposed to put away her toys. She hears her mother coming. What do you think she should do?

Did anyone say, “She should buy time”? Buying time means to increase the time available for a specific purpose. That’s another option in this situation. For example, the child might say, “I need about 10 more minutes to finish. Can you come back in 10 minutes?” She’s buying some time.

Why is “buying time” to think important in a classroom? Your teacher asks a question, and hands fly up all around you. You know the answer, but you need a little time to gather your thoughts. You need to buy some time to think!

Why is “buying time” to think important in a classroom? Or maybe your teacher asks YOU a question. You feel embarrassed, flustered, or on the spot. You need to buy some time to think!

You could say, “I don’t know.” Of course, you could say that, but oftentimes you do know the answer. You just need a little time to think about how to respond to it.

Here are some alternatives to “I don’t know.” 1.May I have a minute to think? 2.Would you please repeat the question? 3.I’m not sure what you are looking for. Can you ask the question in a different way? 4.Could you give me a little more information? 5.May I look at my notes first?

Here are more alternatives to “I don’t know.” 6.I’m not sure. Where can I find information about that? 7.That’s a good question. One idea I have is _____. 8.So I think you’re asking _____. Is that right? Or are you looking for something else? 9.I’m thinking _____. 10.I’m guessing _____.

For Reference and More Practice … Refer to the Buying Time to Think Student Reference Sheet.Buying Time to Think