Engaging 6Th Grader Girls into Conversation...

Well, kids do not grow up, necessarily "learning' how to have 'conversations.' They are not taught, or are raised not to, or maybe raised not to have opinions or the ability to do so.

Learning to 'converse', is learned.
Some kids don't know how.

So this is the conundrum.
Or they think they will be 'wrong.'

From the time my kids were younger, I used to actually teach them how to 'converse' and have 'conversations' for example. It is just about sharing thoughts as well.

Just ask open ended questions. Leading questions. Not questions that are 'yes' or 'no' answers. Ask, what their thoughts are on it, and why. Emphasize that there is no right or wrong. It is just 'conversing.' Having ideas and thoughts about it. That each person is different.

Approach it like it is a "book club"..... not 'journaling' per say. So that they feel a sort of camaraderie about their book and their "book club."

all the best,
Susan

Ask questions. Ask things like, How did you feel when....? What did you think about....?

Girls that aren't naturally chatty will need to be coaxed out of their shells. It could also be that they're no longer interested in the project and/or didn't read the book and are hiding it.

If there's nothing at stake (like grades), then just keep asking questions and sharing your own experiences with them.

It's great of you to do this. Kids can be difficult to engage so maybe it's through pictures as well as journaling. You may consider that talking to them about divorce, moving, death etc are topics that might be too much for a 6yr. Good luck!

Did the Reading Specialist choose these girls for a reason? Are they reluctant readers? Have trouble reading or speaking?

I'd suggest you ask the reading specialist for some direction. She has mostly likely taught them strategies for this. I think open ended questions are best, like Why do you think the character...? Or how would you feel if...

Good luck and thank you for volunteering to help these girls. Volunteers often understand how difficult a job teaching is, even only working with 2 or 3 at a time! :) What a nice experience for the girls!

when you throw the questions out there make sure they are not yes/no questions. ask them how they felt about..... what they thought would happen when.... etc. something we do everyday even now when my kids are mostly grown is ask
what was the funniest thing that happened today?
what was the saddest thing?
who got in trouble today?
what was the hardest assignment ... and why?
etc......