Growing Thoughtful Communicators
One of the most remarkable things about working in education is how quickly classrooms become microcosms of the larger world. In just one day, an elementary student might encounter questions about fairness, justice, identity, or kindness—big topics that even adults grapple with! At WHPS, we don’t just hope students will develop the skills to navigate these subjects—we explicitly teach and practice them every day.
Through Accountable Talk (sometimes known as “Talk Moves”), WHPS students learn how to think deeply, express their views confidently, and listen to others with open hearts. These skills aren’t taught in isolation; they’re woven into daily lessons, discussions, and activities to prepare students to thrive in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
How We Teach Thoughtful Communication
At WHPS, we intentionally teach and practice the skills that help children navigate complex topics with confidence, empathy, and respect. Here’s how these lessons come to life in our classrooms.
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At WHPS, we explicitly teach that real communication starts with listening. Students practice these foundational habits every day:
Paying full attention to the speaker (no multitasking).
Withholding judgment until they fully understand the other person’s perspective.
Asking clarifying questions to deepen understanding rather than jumping to conclusions.
By actively practicing these skills, students develop the ability to build genuine connections, reduce misunderstandings, and engage in conversations with kindness and empathy.
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We teach students to pause and reflect before sharing their thoughts using the T.H.I.N.K. model:
T: Is it True?
H: Is it Helpful?
I: Is it Important?
N: Is it Necessary?
K: Is it Kind?
Through guided discussions and consistent practice, students come to understand that how they say something is as important as what they say. These lessons foster self-awareness, empathy, and responsibility for their words.
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Teaching Accountable Talk at WHPS goes beyond introducing concepts—it’s about daily practice and application. Classrooms feature anchor charts with reminders of Accountable Talk norms, and teachers model these behaviors to help students internalize them. Importantly, these norms are adapted to the age of the children, ensuring they remain developmentally appropriate. Teachers may also revisit or adjust them as the class takes on new topics or addresses potentially sensitive subjects, creating a supportive environment for every learner.
Students use structured sentence starters to guide their discussions, such as:
Agree/Disagree Politely: “I hear you, but I wonder if…”
Seek Clarification: “Could you say more about that?”
Add On: “I’d like to add on to what ___ said…”
Press for Reasoning: “Why do you think that?” or “What’s your evidence?”
Revoice/Paraphrase: “So, you’re saying ___. Did I get that right?”
These tools are taught explicitly and reinforced consistently, helping students build the habits of respectful, thoughtful, and evidence-based dialogue.
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The skills we teach at school can easily be reinforced at home. Families can extend these practices by:
Modeling & Practicing: Use THINK or sentence starters during conversations.
Starting Small: Focus on one or two norms (e.g., “I wonder if…”) until they become natural.
Celebrating Progress: Acknowledge when your child uses these skills successfully to build their confidence.
By practicing together, families can help their children see these skills as essential tools for communication and relationships, not just something for the classroom.
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At WHPS, we believe that skills like listening with open hearts, THINKing before speaking, and engaging in Accountable Talk are critical for success—not only in school but in life. That’s why we teach and practice them daily, helping students grow into thoughtful communicators who can navigate complex conversations with confidence and empathy.
These skills equip children to build friendships, resolve conflicts, and thrive in diverse environments. As they continue to grow, they’ll be prepared to contribute to their communities with clarity, respect, and compassion.
Looking Ahead
You may have already heard terms like Accountable Talk or Talk Moves at home. These aren’t just fancy names—they’re practical, life-changing skills we teach at WHPS. We encourage you to try them as a family! Over time, you’ll see your child’s confidence, empathy, and ability to navigate complex conversations blossom. Together, we’re building a community of thoughtful communicators—one meaningful conversation at a time.
