Highlighting Ideas from Hands Down, Speak Out: Listening and Talking Across Literacy and Math by Kassia Omohundro Wedekind and Christy Hermann Thompson
You know those lines in books that make you reach for your highlighter? Those pages that make you grab a sticky note? Those parts of professional books that you just have to share with a colleague? We asked teacher readers to share some of these very favorite parts of Hands Down, Speak Out with us (and you!). So grab your book and your favorite writing tools, and let’s take a peek behind the cover to see how people answered this question:
What’s Your Favorite Page of Hands Down, Speak Out?
Page 15 (Meghan Hein, 2nd Grade Dual Language Teacher, San Marcos, CA)
“I remember reading this page the first time and it literally gave me goosebumps. I had always viewed silence as disengagement. Immediately after reading page 15, I developed a posture of curiosity. I watched my silent students with keen interest and could see how deeply engaged they were in the art of listening and valuing their classmates’ thinking.”
Page 23 (Molly Rawding, K-5 Math Coach/Specialist, Boston, MA)
“I love this page because of the focus on curiosity, community, and celebrating ideas that are unclear, interesting, and/or puzzling!”
Page 24 (Tammy McBride, K-5 Literacy Specialist, Boston, MA)
“This page reminds me that our language matters and how a small word (like “might”) can make a large impact.”
Page 74 & 75 (Mika Burkett, International Baccalaureate Coordinator/ Language and Literacy Coach Santa Barbara, CA)
“I have so many pages tabbed! It’s hard to choose a favorite. I chose these pages because this lesson is one of my most used micro-lessons in classrooms. The micro-lesson focuses on supporting students in balancing voices in a conversation. Micro-lesson 4.10, “Self-Monitoring Voices,” explicitly teaches students how to reflect on their role in a conversation. The emphasis is on student reflection and partner accountability. It’s an important lesson for life, even for adults!”
If these pages have sparked your curiosity, check out Hands Out, Speak Out on our website.
Until next time, may your Monday be mathematically marvelous!
