The Power of SILENCE

In my head, I picture our family having rich Socratic-style discussions, everyone sharing ideas, asking thoughtful questions, and being 100% engaged.

What it usually looks like is me being so excited about all of the amazing things they could get out of something that it’s mostly me talking. Then I leave frustrated and confused that they never got as excited as I did about the ideas. 

Can you relate?

How do we work towards students owning discussions and being all in? At Bramblewood and in our home, I have watched myself and others work intentionally on these skills, and, while I think it’s a constant journey, we’ve learned a few things that help:

1. BE QUIET. Might I suggest using a little more silence? If you are leading a discussion with children (at home or in a class), pay attention to the air time. Do you find yourself jumping in after almost every comment, either to say something yourself or to affirm their responses? What effect does this have on the conversation - who is owning the dialogue? 

2. BE CURIOUS! See what these smart children are thinking, and be willing to see where they want to take a conversation. Be present in the discussion, not immediately jumping to all the places you want to go. Respect their ideas as legitimate and give them full consideration.

3. BE BRIEF. Try and say your own comments in as few words as possible, and then STOP! I promise, your words will be more powerful, and will generate more thought and response from your kids. 

So here’s our challenge: this week experiment with silence. Often, if you are comfortable with just a little more white space, you will start to get richer responses, and the children will see that you trust them to pick up the conversation and own it. I’d love to hear how it goes!!