Pair and Share: Asking Questions and Listening Well
Suggested grades: K–8, adaptable Time: 20–40 minutes Subjects: Speaking/Listening, Cooperative Learning
Learning Objectives
- Ask an appropriate question and listen for the answer.
- Paraphrase a partner's response accurately.
- Practice respectful turn-taking and encouragement.
- Share information without requiring students to disclose private or sensitive information.
Procedure
- Model: The teacher demonstrates an interview with another adult or student. Model eye contact appropriate to the student's comfort, attentive listening, follow-up questions, and accurate paraphrasing.
- Question bank: Provide safe prompts such as favorite school subject, a skill the student is learning, a book they enjoyed, or a goal for the class. Students may pass on any question.
- Partner interview: Students work in pairs. Partner A asks a question and listens; Partner B answers. Switch roles.
- Paraphrase: Each student prepares one sentence beginning, “My partner said…” The speaker confirms whether the paraphrase is accurate.
- Share: Students may introduce their partner to the class or submit a written summary. Public speaking can be replaced with a small-group or teacher conference for students who need an alternative.
- Reflect: Students identify one listening behavior that helped the conversation.
Assessment
Use a simple checklist: asks an appropriate question, listens without interrupting, accurately reports the partner's response, and uses respectful language.
Accessibility and Inclusion
Offer written, oral, AAC-supported, or picture-supported responses. Do not label students as “extroverted” or “introverted” as a skill measure. Participation can take several forms.