Grade 6 · Reading · Lesson 29

Lead a small group discussion

A structured small group discussion is not a free-for-all conversation. It is a purposeful exchange in which every member has a role, every voice is valued, and the group moves toward deeper understanding together. When one person dominates, questions go unexplored; when no one leads, the conversation drifts. Knowing how to set up, run, and reflect on a discussion is one of the most transferable skills you will ever develop \u2014 it applies in classrooms, workplaces, and every team you will ever join.

What this lesson teaches

1Identify the roles and responsibilities within a structured small group discussion
2Prepare open-ended discussion questions that invite multiple perspectives
3Use sentence starters to agree, disagree, build on, or redirect ideas respectfully
4Evaluate the quality of a discussion using active listening and equitable participation

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