Handing-off is a procedure for turning over to students the primary responsibility for controlling collaborative conversations. 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 open 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 or to the teacher.

• 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 or help refocus 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 routine of handing-off into all classroom discussions.