Leading End-of-the-Year Student Discussions About Transitions
Six ways to lead healthy, productive discussions with your
students.   Bringing students together to discuss can be an
effective way to offer support. Here are some pointers for
making discussions as effective as possible.  Remember that
discussions belong to the students. Your role is to help the
discussion along, not to provide the answers.  Set a
nonjudgmental tone. Remember that these conversations are not
academic; they are about children's feelings. Rely on phrases
like "I see," "Mmmmm," and "Anyone else?" to facilitate without
judgment. Realize that if you make a positive comment to one
child, others will want that reaction, too, and may gear their
participation to get your approval.  Be prepared for unsettling
contributions. A child may say something that requires special
attention: "I hate summer vacation 'cause I have to be with my
baby-sitter and she hits me." When that happens, say, "Ray,
thank you for your comment. I'd like to talk ab