Authors and Advisors sep      Glossary
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Comprehension/Knowledge Building, Grades 2-3
Handing-Off


Handing-off is a method of turning over to students the primary responsibility for controlling discussion.

In handing-off:
  • Students are seated so they can see each other and engage in a discussion.
  • The teacher takes a seat as part of the group.
  • Students have their books and are free to refer back to any selection to make a point.
  • Students take responsibility for discussion.
  • Students ask questions, comment on what they have read, and react to the text.
  • The student who is talking chooses—hands off the discussion to—another student in the class.
How to get started:
  • Model handing-off by offering comments on the text, the style of the writer, or the connection to the unit theme.
  • Use discussion starters such as "I didn't know that . . . " or "This piece made me think . . ." or "I disagree with _________ because . . ."
  • Participate in the discussion by raising your hand.
  • Seed new ideas as you participate in the discussion. For example, "As I read this selection, I was reminded of __________. What did that part remind you of?" Or, "This piece opened up a whole new way of thinking about [the unit]. What do you think?"
  • Wait for students to respond to each other; don't feel the need to jump in when there are a few moments of silence.
  • Use handing-off periodically, at the end of a section of text, or at the end of the reading each day to check understanding of the text and concepts.
  • Build the idea of handing-off into all classroom discussions.