Lesson 18 – Socratic Circles

8ENG Year 8 English

Sh
We li ared Lear
ideas sten and ning No
 respe r rm
ctfull espond to  
y a nd o
const thers’
ructiv
ely.
 THE GOALS OF THIS LESSON
Big question: How can we use discussion to discover?
Learning Intentions:
• To learn how to participate
in a Socratic Circle
• To use discussion to discover
new things about a text.
Learning Behaviour Goal: We
listen and respond to others’ ideas
respectfully and constructively.
Success Criteria:
Level 1
I have contributed to a class discussion.
Level 2
Lesson Outline: 
I have presented and responded to an idea and Quiet Reading (10 mins)
offered some evidence. Journal Entry (5 mins)
Socratic Set Up (5 mins)
Level 3 Socratic Warm Up (5 mins)
Socratic Discussion #1 (10 mins)
I have engaged in discussion and helped keep the Brain Break (5 minutes)
conversation by prompting and encouraging others. Socratic Discussion #2 (10 mins)
Socratic Discussion #3 (10 mins)
Socratic Discussion #4 (10 mins)
Exit ticket (7 minutes)
SETTING UP THE CIRCLE
It’s time to make some space
and arrange our circle.

Make sure there are no gaps.

WARM UP #1 — 21
Everyone stands up.
One person begins counting from one. They can recite 1, 2 or 3 digits.
Moving around the circle, clockwise, each person continues the count and can also recite
1, 2 or 3 digits. If a person has to count ‘21’ they are out and have to sit down. The last
person standing wins!

No dragging out the count or forgetting the count or you’re out!

(To speed up the game, change the terminal number to ‘11’ or ‘9’)
WARM UP #2 — BUT HAVE YOU
CONSIDERED THAT …
Students complete the following template:

That’s a good point [name], but have you considered that _______________________
__________________ because ____________________________________________.

You can fill in the blanks however you like with any opinion you have about anything.
The teacher will call on each student randomly until every student has spoken. The
student will recite their template using the name of the student who spoke before them.
PROMPT #1

Hinton suggests that family is

ultimately more important to
having a successful life than
friends.
BRAIN
BREAK

2/11/20XX 8
PROMPT #2

Hinton argues that an individual’s

socio-economic class determines
their choices in life.
PROMPT #3

Even in the hardest circumstances,

it is possible to stay innocent and
hopeful.
PROMPT #4

Hinton indicates life is easier

when you are part of a group.
EXIT TICKET:
SOCRATIC CIRCLES REFLECTION
Reflect on your experience of
the Socratic Circle activity. Did
the discussion help you discover
new ideas about the text? Did it
help you develop and expand
your own ideas? Did you enjoy
it? 2/11/20XX 12