![grade 6 socratic discussions.png]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1705948585/saintandrewsnet/pxmuhpowrnvtuixahftg/grade6socraticdiscussions.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1705948585/saintandrewsnet/pxmuhpowrnvtuixahftg/grade6socraticdiscussions.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1705948585/saintandrewsnet/pxmuhpowrnvtuixahftg/grade6socraticdiscussions.png","width":800}])
Students in Ms. Yash's grade 6 World Cultures class took part in Socratic discussions as part of their unit on exploring how the ancient Egyptian, Indus River Valley (ancient India) and Shang (ancient China) civilizations developed and the factors that led to their development. The students learned about how geography and religion factored into the commonalities and diversity of the three civilizations. Based on personal interest, each student has been researching one other factor. The other factors include achievements, politics, economy, and society.
As part of this unit, the students were introduced to Socratic Seminar discussions and the Saint Andrew's Community Norms for Civil Discourse. Socratic Seminars ask students to discuss the inquiry questions that guide the unit. These formative discussions build their communication skills through peer coaching and self-reflection. The students who are discussing sit in the middle and their coach sits behind them taking notes on their strengths and providing constructive feedback on what they can say or do in future discussions.
In Friday's discussion, students were discussing: In what ways, do religious beliefs affect a civilization? How do ideas spread as civilizations develop?
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