You might have read my last blog about integrating Learning Stations within the classroom or student salon.  This week I want to introduce you to a watered-down version, it’s called Chat Stations.  Chat Stations provide students with an opportunity to get up out of their seats, move around, and interact with fellow students while holding juicy discussions.  Chat Stations are a powerful learning activity that will create equality between students, encourage greater communication, increase student interaction, support team building, and inspire greater student participation.

The great news is that integrating Chat Stations into your classrooms or student salon requires minimal work on your part.  They’re incredibly flexible and can be used at any point in your curriculum.  For example, use Chat Stations to help recap your day’s learnings by holding end-day chat, to prepare students for final chapter exams, or to help deliver new content in an interactive format.

Action Steps:

Step 1:  Develop Questions –  write out questions on flip chart paper, dry erase boards, or poster board.

Step 2:  Create Stations –  place questions throughout the room.

Step 3:  Create Student Groups –  place students into groups of 2 to 4.  Give each group of students a reporting sheet that will correspond to the Chat Station questions.

Step 4: Rotate Groups –   groups of students will rotate from station to station, discussing the questions and recording their answers on the reporting sheet.  When students complete the Chat Stations they will return to their seats.

Step 5:  Classroom Discussion –  work your way through each Chat Station question while asking different groups to share their facts and findings.

Chat Stations are a great alternative to traditional teaching.  They create a learning environment full of energy, excitement, student engagement and most importantly, student involvement.