Talking About Text: Building Understanding Through Timed-Pair-Share

While studying the Holocaust through various texts, including Shores Beyond Shores: From Holocaust to Hope by Irene Butter and several news articles about Olympians who competed in the 1936 Olympic Games, students examined a set of historical images. They were tasked with deepening both their own understanding and their peers’ understanding through shared discussion.

In our classroom, we value collaboration and meaningful discussion. Students were given a discussion card and simple directions: ask your question, respond to your partner’s question, switch cards, and find a new partner when the timer ended.

Students enjoyed being out of their seats and learning with their peers through deeper discussion that pushed the limits of their thinking. As they progressed through the activity, they engaged closely with the texts, identified disagreements with some statements, and shared their own opinions with classmates who sometimes held different perspectives.

After participating in the activity, students demonstrated a greater understanding of the symbolism present during the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. They also considered the political agenda of Germany while hosting the 1936 Olympic Games.

Kagan strategies like Timed-Pair-Share encourage students to think critically, listen respectfully to other opinions, and deepen their own understanding of historical events through collaborative learning. By giving students opportunities to share ideas, question perspectives, and engage in meaningful dialogue, activities like this highlight student voice while strengthening critical thinking skills.

Rebecca Bailey
Morgan County Middle School
Morgan County School District
8th grade