Can I skip protocols when I don’t have time (or energy)?

Protocols are an important feature of our curriculum because they are one of the best ways we know to engage students in discussion, inquiry, critical thinking, and sophisticated communication.

A protocol consists of agreed-upon, detailed guidelines for reading, recording, discussing, or reporting that ensure equal participation and accountability in learning. Importantly, protocols allow students to talk to each other, not just to you. As a result, they build independence and responsibility. Protocols in the curriculum range from very quick protocols like Back-to-Back and Face-to-Face to longer lesson-length protocols like Science Talks.

Speaking and listening protocols are especially useful for scaffolding the learning experience for students with learning challenges and those are who are learning English. These students, who may struggle with reading grade-level texts, will likely be able to contribute to conversations and discussions when using an appropriate discussion protocol. The repeated academic and procedural language of protocols also facilitates language acquisition.

This video shows primary students using a Science Talk protocol as way to collectively theorize, build on each others' ideas, work out thoughts, build literacy, and think, wonder, and talk about how things work.

Continue to read here for more information on why protocols are essential and how to use them.