If we believe that pupil comments and contributions are a resource for learning, it is vital that everyone is listening to each other.
Who can repeat? is a very simple, high-impact teacher talk move.
Let me be clear. This is NOT about catching out distracted students. It is about creating a positive culture where listening to others is normal – a classroom where student-to-student listening is viewed by all as an essential part of learning.
After a blitz of a few weeks of Who can repeat? you’ll only have to do it occasionally to maintain listening as a high-status behaviour for learning.
With younger children you might initially want to make it into a game. Ask a child to tell you something – for example Jake, tell us why you would rather run than swim. Then challenge the others: Who can repeat what Jake said? and have them show you with a sign such as folded arms. The idea is that they get so good at listening they race to give you the sign!
When your class get really good at listening, you can extend their skills by asking them to rephrase or paraphrase: Who can rephrase that?
(For more talk moves to encourage pupil dialogue, try this Teacher Talk Moves resource.)
July 2024 update: Starting questions with ‘Who can…?’ speaks only to pupils who are willing to volunteer. Be careful with this. Instead of always asking for volunteers, sometimes ask specific children (using cold-calling or random selection): Alisha, please can you repeat what Jake said? If Alisha is unable to repeat at first, direct her to ask Jake to say it again.
A fantastic, free resource to help your pupils develop their creative listening skills