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/