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Talking Sticks

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  • DOMAIN(S)
    Communication, Language, and Literacy (CLL)
  • INDICATOR(S)
    CLL1.4b
  • AGE GROUP(S)
    48-60 months

Use a prop to indicate whose turn it is to talk during a large group discussion. Explain to children that some native Americans use a “talking stick” to make sure each person has a turn to share his ideas and opinions with the rest of the group. Show children pictures of talking sticks from the Internet or from a book, such as The Very First Americans by Cara Ashrose. Make a stick for your classroom from a wooden dowel. Paint the dowel or cover with colorful tape. Add beads or feathers if desired. Model for children how to use the stick for turn-taking during a class meeting or discussion. If you are interested in a family connection, have the children create their own talking stick to take home and use at the dinner table. Each family member can take a turn to talk about what they did that day.This could be done in large group.  

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