Keep the Kids Talking

Bring every voice into the conversation

Facilitate dynamic discussions at every level — from partner talks to whole-class conversations.

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Find answers to more essential questions by checking out our FAQ.

What You'll Learn

Step beyond basic Q&A and learn how to craft conversations that spark curiosity and connect every learner’s voice.

Key takeaways

Design purposeful discussions with targeted questioning strategies for diverse learners
Facilitate inclusive discussions that ensure all student voices are heard and engaged
Overcome barriers to student participation and promote full engagement
Use text-based protocols to deepen learning across all content areas
Track progress and adjust strategies based on student needs

Revamp your discussions

We all know that discussions are key to student engagement, but the usual methods often leave some voices unheard. Teachers are eager for ways to revamp their discussions and ensure every student is part of the conversation.

Elevate engagement

When you level up your questioning and discussion techniques, you’ll see your students opening up, engaging with each other, and showing up more in their learning. Plus, you’ll be hitting all the right notes for those teacher evaluations — a win-win!

Activate every voice

Throughout Keep the Kids Talking, we’ll dive into practical strategies that make discussions come alive, whether in small groups or the whole class. You’ll walk away with tools to turn your classroom into a place where every student has a voice.

What Educators Are Saying

Join K-12 educators from around the world in creating meaningful change in your classroom and community.

Course Format and Topics

This course bridges theory and practice, packed with instructional videos, resources, discussions, and assignments — all designed to support real classroom impact. Explore our open enrollment and on demand formats to find the option that works best for you.

Open enrollment

• Course & registration available for a limited time
• Join a cohort of educators from various schools and locations
• Learn independently with periodic feedback from a facilitator
• Self-paced within course period

On demand

•  Available at any time, with flexible pacing
•  Private access for your team, school, or district
•  Work with a dedicated facilitator
•  Customize course content and/or receive additional coaching

Course begins

Participants who are registered prior to the course start date can expect to receive course login details 2-3 days before the course starts. For more information on access and participation, please visit our FAQ page.

Preview an introductory video from the course:

Topic 1

Introduction to Questioning & Discussion
Digging Deeper: Questions that Provoke Discussion
Unpack Danielson’s 3b and learn how to use open-ended questions to spark meaningful student dialogue.

Topic 2

Two by Two: Accountable Talk in Pairs
Prompts & Sentence Starters
Use paired talk strategies and sentence starters to help students process and express their ideas.

Topic 3

Talking & Thinking Cards
Give students visual tools to guide thoughtful, accountable talk during any discussion.

Topic 4

Ten-Minute Talks
Support structured, text-based discussions that encourage students to build on ideas from readings.

Topic 5

Save the Last Word for Me
Support deeper analysis with student-led protocols that encourage evidence-based thinking.

Topic 6

The Four A's
Corners & Instant Debate
Facilitate active, whole-class discussions that promote movement, perspective-taking, and quick thinking.

Topic 7

Socratic Seminar
Facilitate rich, student-driven dialogue grounded in inquiry and critical thinking.

Topic 8

Final Reflections
Look back on your learning, connect key insights, and consider how your approach to classroom discussion has evolved.

Topic 9

Amplifying Your Learning
Identify next steps, explore additional resources, and create an action plan to bring new strategies into your practice.

Course ends

Course participation ends and assignments close one (1) week after the final course topic is released. Within two weeks after this date, final grades and certificates will be processed.

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Meet Your Facilitator

Dr. Kelsey Hammond

Kelsey has a Ph.D. in English Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She holds a master's degree in English from the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences at Boston College and a bachelor’s degree in English and Secondary Education from Saint Anselm College.

Kelsey has served as a middle school classroom teacher, curriculum reviewer, and education panel member. In addition, she has conducted archival research at the National Library of Ireland and at Trinity College, Dublin. Kelsey’s areas of interest include the writing process and poetry pedagogy, especially in middle and high school English classrooms.

"Creating a culture of discussion requires intentionality and a willingness to adapt to the needs and dynamics of your students."

anchor: twskregister

Take Your Next Steps

This opportunity is designed for K-12 educators to grow independently, or as part of a team. Still have questions? Check out our FAQ page, or contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to working alongside you!

This timing doesn't work for you? Talk to us about a custom course for your team or school, that works with your schedule!