Share the spotlight in group talks.

When we sit together for a class talk, it's important that everyone has a chance to be heard. Sharing the spotlight doesn’t mean you have to hide your ideas — it means you help everyone learn more by making room for others. As your teacher, I want you to have short, kind words you can use when you need to step back, invite someone quieter in, or gently stop someone who is talking too much. These little phrases can make group talks fairer and less stressful, especially when feelings are high or someone is worried about speaking up.

Here are quick, simple phrases you can use. Pick a few that feel natural and try them next time we chat as a group: - “I’d love to hear what you think.”
- “It’s your turn now.”
- “Can you finish your thought? I’m listening.”
- “I noticed you haven’t spoken yet—want to share?”
- “Can I say one quick thing, then I’ll listen?”
- “Thanks for waiting — that means a lot.”
- “I feel left out when I don’t get a chance.”
- “Let’s give everyone two minutes to speak.”

You can use these phrases in different ways. If you’re the one who usually talks a lot, try saying, “Can I say one quick thing, then I’ll listen?” That shows you’re aware and want to change the balance. If a friend is very quiet, saying “I’d love to hear what you think” or “It’s your turn now” can help them feel safe to speak. If someone is interrupting or dominating the talk, “Thanks for sharing — now let’s hear from others” keeps things polite but firm. Using “I feel” statements like “I feel left out when I don’t get a chance” helps others understand your feelings without blaming them.

Remember that sharing the spotlight also means helping the group be kind when someone makes a mistake or gets nervous. Simple responses like “Thank you for sharing” or “That was brave” encourage friends to keep trying. If a classmate says something you disagree with, you can say, “I see it differently — can you tell me more about why you think that?” This keeps conversation open instead of shutting someone down.

We’ll practice these phrases together so they start to feel natural. Try them in pairs first: one student speaks for two minutes while the other practices inviting them in or stepping back. Small habits — like using a timer or raising a hand to pass the turn — help too. The more we use short, caring phrases, the easier it becomes to make our group talks fair and encouraging. When everyone gets a turn, we learn more and feel safer sharing hard things. I’m proud of you for trying — sharing the spotlight is one of the kindest things we can do for each other.