Social and Emotional Learning Skills Strategy Packet

Dialogic reading is a guided conversation that occurs as a result of reading a book. The conversation should be related to events unfolding in the book, and should also be related to a skill or competency that the student(s) need to build. For example, a teacher may read a book about a conflict between two characters and then engage in dialogic reading to discuss the feelings of the characters and possible solutions to the conflict. The teacher must plan the conversation prior to reading, and should carefully select a book that is likely to encourage the desired conversation. Unlike many read-alouds, the purpose of this strategy is to encourage the conversation itself rather than maintaining a focus on comprehending the book that is utilized.

Dialogic reading can be used for any social or emotional learning objective. It is especially effective in helping students to understand and develop relational skills between people, because students have the opportunity to see relational skills come to life through the words and actions of the characters in the story.

Whole Group: This strategy is effective in whole-group settings, as long as each student has the opportunity to engage in dialogue.

One-on-One: This strategy works very well in one-on-one settings because it allows the student lots of opportunity to engage in conversation

In the Moment: When reading a book for another purpose, you may engage in a dialogue about a previously taught objective if it needs to be reinforced, or if a student brings it up.