“It's like having a second teacher in my classroom.” ~ a teacher describing Byrdseed.TV

CCSS ELA Standard: 7.SL.1.c

Pose questions that elicit elaboration and respond to others’ questions and comments with relevant observations and ideas that bring the discussion back on topic as needed.

New Uses For A Chair
New Uses For A Chair
So, what can a chair be used for other than, you know, sitting in?
Gr 1-8
Writing Sample: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Falling)
Writing Sample: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Falling)
A passage from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to use as a mentor text, discussion starter, or writing prompt.
Gr 2-8
Writing Sample: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Shrinking)
Writing Sample: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Shrinking)
A passage from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to use as a mentor text, discussion starter, or writing prompt.
Gr 2-8
Writing Sample: The Velveteen Rabbit (The Toys)
Writing Sample: The Velveteen Rabbit (The Toys)
A passage from The Velveteen Rabbit to use as a mentor text, discussion starter, or writing prompt.
Gr 2-8
Writing Sample: White Fang (The Wild)
Writing Sample: White Fang (The Wild)
A passage from White Fang to use as a mentor text, discussion starter, or writing prompt.
Gr 2-8
Writing Sample: The Jungle Book (Bagheera)
Writing Sample: The Jungle Book (Bagheera)
A passage from The Jungle Book to use as a mentor text, discussion starter, or writing prompt.
Gr 2-8
Writing Sample: The Wind in the Willows
Writing Sample: The Wind in the Willows
A passage from The Wind in the Willows to use as a mentor text, discussion starter, or writing prompt.
Gr 2-8
Writing Sample: Moby Dick
Writing Sample: Moby Dick
A passage from Moby Dick to use as a mentor text, discussion starter, or writing prompt.
Gr 2-8
Writing Sample: Peter Pan
Writing Sample: Peter Pan
A passage from “Peter Pan” to use as a mentor text, discussion starter, or writing prompt.
Gr 2-8
Writing Sample: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Writing Sample: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
A passage from “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” to use as a mentor text, discussion starter, or writing prompt.
Gr 2-8
Writing Sample: The Fall of the House of Usher
Writing Sample: The Fall of the House of Usher
A passage from “The Fall of the House of Usher” to use as a mentor text, discussion starter, or writing prompt.
Gr 2-8
Writing Sample: Anne of Green Gables
Writing Sample: Anne of Green Gables
An intriguing passage from Anne of Green Gables to use as a mentor text, discussion starter, or writing prompt.
Gr 2-8
Paradox: The Barber’s Paradox
Paradox: The Barber’s Paradox
The barber shaves everybody who doesn’t themselves. So… does the barber shave himself?
Gr 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8
Paradox: Crocodile Dilemma
Paradox: Crocodile Dilemma
A crocodile makes a deal. But the deal creates a paradox. Can your students untangle a 2,000-year-old logic puzzle?
Gr 1-8
Paradox: The Liar’s Paradox
Paradox: The Liar’s Paradox
Nothing like a paradox to get your kids brains exploding 🤯! This one starts with five simple words: “This statement is a lie.”
Gr 3-8
Sprouts
Sprouts
Learn how to play the abstract, paper-and-pencil game Sprouts.
Gr 1-8
The Thinking Hats
The Thinking Hats
So… do your students moan when forced to work in a group? Part of the problem is that lack the structure to work well with peers. Edward de Bono’s Thinking Hats are a perfect tool to help with this problem.
Gr 1-8
Developing Extension Questions: Zooming In
Developing Extension Questions: Zooming In
Every topic has details that get glossed over in a sentence. Zoom in on one and you’ve got an entire unit hiding inside a paragraph.
Gr 1-8
Developing Extension Questions: Panning
Developing Extension Questions: Panning
Your textbook covers a topic in one paragraph. But what’s next door? Pan the camera and you’ve got a question worth exploring for weeks.
Gr 1-8
Content Imperatives: Convergence
Content Imperatives: Convergence
Add complexity by considering how multiple factors 🔄 Converge within one topic.
Gr 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Content Imperatives: Contribuition
Content Imperatives: Contribuition
Pull on one thread and watch the whole topic move. Contribution asks: what single factor is quietly shaping everything else?
Gr 1-8
Content Imperatives: Origin
Content Imperatives: Origin
Take students back to the beginning by using the Content Imperative ⏺️ Origin.
Gr 1-8
Depth and Complexity: ❓ Unanswered Questions
Depth and Complexity: ❓ Unanswered Questions
This underutilized tool focuses students on what we don’t yet know and even what we can’t know.
Gr 1-8
Depth and Complexity: 🚦 Rules
Depth and Complexity: 🚦 Rules
Is there a consequence for not doing something? You may have found a rule!
Gr 1-8
Using Creativity Tools To Develop A Learning Exploration: Step Two
Using Creativity Tools To Develop A Learning Exploration: Step Two
How do you turn “go research something” into a structured, creative learning exploration? Kathryn Haydon walks through it step by step.
Gr 1-8