Ep 23: Girls Love REAL Conversation

--:--
Quote: “I think that I have learned to listen more to others. I learn more then. And everyone deserves to have their voice heard.”
-6th grade girl—

Imagine this: a world in which our children become so dependent on gadgets and screens that it is challenging for them to speak with other humans. Not likely, right? Yet many educators will tell you that moment has already arrived. They believe it is time to start intentionally teaching the critical skills of conversation and discourse. In this episode, we have the opportunity to learn why this matters now, how discussion skills can be taught for both the classroom setting and the dinner table, and some basic strategies that parents and educators can employ to create the healthy space for girls of all ages to hone communication skills at home, in school and for life.

In this “conversation about conversation,” host Trudy Hall learns from educators deeply knowledgeable about teaching discussion skills. Liza Garonzik, a former classroom teacher, is the founder of R.E.A.L. Discussion, an organization committed to the idea that discussion is the key to humanity, and, as important, discussion skills can be segmented into teachable elements. Joining her is Callie Hammond, a girls school educator and Global Action Research Fellow, a program hosted by the International Coalition of Girls Schools, bringing her recent research findings and experience with teaching these skills to girls. Offering both theory and practical skills for every adult who engages with girls, Callie and Liza remind us that girls are eager, interested and delighted to engage—if we offer them the tools that give them the confidence to do so.

Resources:
- R.E.A.L. Discussion: https://www.realdiscussion.org/

- International Coalition of Girls Schools: https://girlsschools.org/

- Global Action Research Collaborative: https://girlsschools.org/garc-2/
9 Aug 2023 English United States Education · Kids & Family

Other recent episodes

Short 5: Why curious girls will save the world 🌍

‘Curiosity killed the cat’ and ‘don’t speak unless spoken to’ are the kinds of phrases many of us grew up hearing. Yet research shows that cultivating curiosity leads to better learning, creativity, and well-being. Helping girls develop their curiosity has immense benefits. They’re likely to take a keener interest in…
17 Apr 12 min

Short 4: Seven Lessons Girls Can Learn from Sport – Even if They’re Not "Sporty"

Ninety-six percent of female CEOs credit their sports participation in high school as a time when they honed valuable leadership skills. Girls who participate in sports not only cultivate physical fitness, but they also develop essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and time management. Movement-based education and sports contribute…
20 Mar 11 min

Speaking Your Truth, with Latricia Barksdale

“I feel like your voice is your courage…it’s your bravery.” (Culver Girls Academy student) Can there be any connection more vital in a girl’s life than her connection to her voice, her authentic voice? The word “voice” has multiple meanings in the world of girls. Voice is often a term…
27 Feb 31 min

Navigating Life Online, with Laura Tierney

“Social media is a tool. If people aren’t equipped to navigate it positively, you are going to see negative consequences like anxiety and depression…I liken social media to giving students the key to a car….” (Laura Tierney) For better or for worse, the girls in our lives “do” social media;…
20 Feb 31 min

Handling Heartbreak, with Angela Terpstra

“With grief, for me personally, the main thing is letting myself feel it and not trying to pretend it hasn’t happened…Rather than hiding it, I give myself permission to deal with it. (Wycombe student) What we know for sure is that at some point the girls in our life will…
13 Feb 33 min