Elevate Student Talk! Rooted in Research

Elevate Student Conversations Beyond Surface-Level Responses

The Elevated Academic Talk Toolkit helps transform “turn and talk” into structured, purposeful discussion. Designed for real classrooms and grounded in research, this resource supports students in building ideas, using evidence, and engaging in meaningful academic conversations.

Rather than simply asking students to talk, this toolkit focuses on teaching them how to talk using clear routines, intentional prompts, and supportive structures.

With this resource, you can:

• Increase participation and engagement
• Strengthen comprehension through discussion
• Build academic language and confidence
• Promote deeper thinking with stronger prompts

At its core, the toolkit emphasizes that the structure of student talk drives its effectiveness.

What’s Included

• Teacher Guide: Clear routines for structured discussion (Think → Speak → Listen → Respond)
• Conversation Moves Anchor Chart: Student-friendly prompts to build, clarify, and extend thinking
• Student Discussion Goals: Simple expectations for partner talk
• Prompt Upgrade Toolkit: Strategies to move from basic to higher-level questioning
• Teacher Prompt Bank: Ready-to-use questions that support reasoning and reflection
• Classroom Visuals: Reinforce purposeful, thoughtful discussion

Why It Works

Students deepen their understanding when they talk through their thinking. With explicit instruction and consistent routines, classroom discussions become more focused, equitable, and rigorous.

Easy to Implement

• Print-and-use materials
• Simple routines that build quickly into daily practice