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Getting Started with Great Books in the Classroom
A Tutorial for K-12 Educators

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1. JGB in Action

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Prev | Next | Checklist for Conducting Shared Inquiry Discussion

Checklist for Conducting Shared Inquiry Discussion

Before participating in a Shared Inquiry Discussion, students will need to read the story, or have it read to them, twice (see Lesson 4).
Click on a checklist item. Details will appear to the right.

  1. Arrange seating in a circle
  2. Determine group size
  3. Prepare a seating chart
  4. Explain the four rules
  5. Distribute the Building Your Answer form
  6. Pose an interpretive question (see Lesson 2)
  7. Give students ample time to reflect and write an answer
  8. Lead discussion by asking questions (see Lesson 3)
  9. End discussion after...
  10. Conduct a brief closing activity

1. Arrange seating in a circle.

An arrangement in which the leader and students can see, listen to, and talk directly to one another encourages genuine interaction and stimulates discussion.

Having the leader be part of the discussion group and sit at eye level helps to avoid the teacher being seen as the authority on the story’s meaning. It communicates the kind of respect, responsibility, and empowerment desired.

It is also helpful if everyone is at a table and has a surface on which to write.

Prev | Next | Checklist for Conducting Shared Inquiry Discussion

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Copyright 2005 - The Great Books Foundation
Getting Started with Great Books in the Classroom

Click here to read the JGB text for Jack and the Beanstalk.

The best introduction to Shared Inquiry and using Junior Great Books is the Basic Leader Training Course.
More on JGB training...