1. What Makes a Good Discussion in a Grand Conversation?

2. Empathetic Listening: Give your complete attention to whoever is speaking in your group, showing that you value his or her contribution Use positive body language Make eye contact

3. Informational Listening: Listen for the content of what the speaker is saying

4. Responding to Group Members: Expand on the speaker’s ideas by sharing your thoughts and feelings about what he or she said “I hear what you are saying and I think…” “What you said makes me think about…” “I agree with you about…” “I’ve never thought about it that way before…”

5. Clarifying: Ask questions to understand each other’s ideas better Tell me more about... What do you mean...? Why do you think...?

6. Sharing ideas and giving reasons for your opinions: I think... is a good example of figurative language because... I wonder how the relationship between these two characters would have changed if they had... I was surprised that the plot changed course because I was expecting... This part reminds me of... because...

7. Sharing Ideas and Giving Opinions… I wonder why the author keeps on repeating this word... I like this section of writing because... I noticed... because... I wish... because... I think this story is really about... because...

8. Self-reflection: Consider what you have done well, and make decisions about what needs to be improved Set goals for the future