Positioning text so that it is at the center of instruction is challenging, to say the least. Thus, as part of Core Task Project and Core Task implementation Project trainings, specific moves have been integrated to assist with this goal. The first is “Text Talk Time,” the second “Talk Moves” and the third is “Text Talk.”
“Text Talk Time” is a move that helps students talk about a text they have been reading. Text Talk Time puts the onus on students for the learning and instills the habits of using evidence to respond to text-dependent questions. You can watch the move in a lesson demonstration here.
“Talk Moves” is a strategy to “develop communication skills.” In this case, students do the following during a discussion about a text they are working with: 1. revoice 2. restate and 3. apply own reasoning. It’s an especially helpful strategy for second language learners. You can learn more here.
“Text Talk” has a feel similar to Number Talks. In this case, students use hand signals to share when they have something to add, when the want to switch topics and when they have a connection to make. You can see Text Talk modeled here.
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About Aaron Grossman
I am a 5th grade teacher at Roy Gomm Elementary in Reno, Nevada. I started working with elementary students as part of the Montana Reads program and AmeriCorps. In 2001, after graduating from the University of Montana and moving to Reno, Nevada, I student taught at Rita Cannan Elementary before receiving a 6th grade position at Veterans Elementary. I moved out of the classroom to be a Literacy Coordinator, then an Instructional Coach, and finally a School Improvement Program Coordinator. In 2011, I began working on the Nevada Academic Content Standards in the district’s Curriculum & Instruction Department. I returned to the classroom for the 2015-2016 school year to teach 4th grade at Huffaker Elementary.
Before returning to the classroom, I helped develop the Core Task Project that has been featured by National Public Radio, the Gates Foundation, American Radio Works, Eduwonk, the Fordham Institute, Vox, and the Center for American Progress. In 2014, I received the Leader to Learn From Award for my teacher-centered initiative and work to bring college, career, and civics ready outcomes into Northern Nevada classrooms (here).
In 2015, I was appointed by Governor Sandoval serve on the Statewide RPDP Council. The same year, Nevada’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction Steve Canavero placed me on the state’s State Improvement Team. This year I will be part of the National Council on Teacher Quality’s Teacher Advisory Group. I am Google Certified Educator and a Nevada Teacher Ambassador.
I believe strongly that teaching content is teaching reading and I make sure my students have ample opportunities to work with social studies, history, science and art outcomes. I do what I can to blend the learning for my students and this blog is part of that effort. You can contact me at coretaskproject@gmail.com
Core Task Project 