Make it stand out.

Let’s hear the use of TAG in action with students that use this strategy every day.

Shanika just finishes reading a short story she composed.

Her peers clap:

 
Juan

Shanika:

Thank you. T-Tell what you like. (Many hands raise up to respond) Joan?

Shanika

Joan:

I like the color of your cat.

Avatar

Shanika:

Thank you. Why do you like the color?

Avatar

Joan:

Because black is my favorite color.

Juan

Shanika:

Ok. Someone else? Tell what you like. Maria?

Shanika

Mary:

I like that the cat got away from the dog because I didn’t want it to get hurt

Juan

Shanika:

Thank you. Anyone else? Virginia?

Shanika

Virginia:

I like your story because you have a problem and solution.

Juan

Shanika:

Thanks! A-Ask questions. Any questions about my story? Paul?

Shanika

Paul:

Why did you write about that cat?

Juan

Shanika:

Because I love cats and I have one. Anyone else? James?

Shanika

James:

Where did you get the idea for that story?

Juan

Shanika:

Well because I know about cats since I have one and I also have a dog. But they’re friends. Another question? Dr. Zaragoza?

Shanika

Dr. Z:

Do you have an idea for your next story yet?

Juan

Shanika:

I’m thinking of writing about children next time because I have a lot of animal stories. Any connections or suggestions? Parima?

Shanika

Parima:

I also have a cat and I love cats.

Juan

Shanika:

I do too! Others? Dennis?

Shanika

Dennis:

Your story reminds me of the book we read about the curious cat.

Juan

Shanika:

Thank you and that’s one of my favorite books. One more. Connection or suggestion? Kendrick?

Shanika

Kendrick:

Maybe in your next book you can have children and animals.

Juan

Shanika:

Oh thank you! That’s a good idea!

 

Now listen to teachers discussing TAG use with students in their after school program:

 
Juan

Dr. Z:

Let’s talk about how TAG influences your community and its work together.

Shanika

Shari:

Well the first thing I noticed was that my students love doing it. And because I already had it written on a chart it was easy for them to do it by themselves almost right away.

Avatar

Dr. Z:

Why do you think they like it so much?

Avatar

Shari:

They get to be in front of the class and call on people.

Juan

Kris:

It definitely gives them a sense of power because they are in control.

Shanika

Zuri:

And what’s funny is that during TAG the children are so quiet and attentive. They sometimes seem to listen to each other better than they listen to the teacher.

Juan

Dr. Z:

Yes, I’ve seen that. It’s pretty funny. They all sit up tall wanting their friends to call on them. I think that positive recognition we have them give to each other contributes to this.

Shanika

Larry:

What do you mean?

Juan

Dr. Z:

The way that many of you have guided your students to say things like, “Thank you, Alex, you’re looking at me,” “Thank you Isabel, you’re ready,” before they even begin is powerful. Everybody wants to hear their name spoken in a positive way so the children get ready quickly and await that appreciative recognition. How else has using TAG influenced your community? What messages are we sending our students when we ask them to use TAG?

Shanika

Kris:

Well, that we believe in them.

Juan

Dr. Z:

What do you mean?

Shanika

Kris:

Once they learn TAG we don’t really have to help them much so we are showing them that we believe they can do it without our help.

Juan

Dr. Z:

Yes, and we are also allowing them to be resources for each other as they ask questions and give ideas. Thanks, Kris. Anyone else?

Shanika

Richie:

It also shows that we expect them to notice and talk about the positive because of T-Tell what you like. It really does influence the rest of the day, too. Everyone just gets in the habit of saying positive things.

Juan

Dr. Z:

I really do notice that as I am walking around and that full program sharing was great because everyone was so positive with every class presentation. What other messages do we send our students when we include TAG as a way of responding to each other’s work?

Shanika

Shari:

Since we’re taking the time to respond to it we are telling them that their work is important.

Juan

Dr. Z:

Yes, and it definitely strengthens the community in a positive way because everyone begins to know each other better and everyone is also seen as an important resource.