Build and Talk with Thinkblocks

This lesson was contributed by Pragnya (3rd grade student) and her mother Dr. Bhairavi Sudarshan. The Build and Talk Learning workflow consists of three main steps:

• Step 1. Collect information
• Step 2. Build micro-maps
• Step 3. Re-build and Talk with micro-map

View the map here.

Pragnya and Dr. Bhairavi are following this information throughout their 100-Day project. The 100-Day project provides opportunities to practice build and talk skills in a systematic and consistent way. These skills can then be used over time in any learning experience.

Step 1. Prepare for build and talk

• Choose the right tools and resources:
• Review information: Read the textbook or review information from other sources (e.g., videos).
• Compile resources for micro-maps: After reading the lesson, Pragnya and Bhairavi wrote notes on the topic.

• Assign roles

Pragnya and her mother build together. Pragnya recalls and talks about what she has learned.

Step 2. Create a micro-map.·

• Create movable chunks: The tool chosen for this lesson was Thinkblocks. Thinkblocks make it easy to create movable chunks. Each chunk was labeled with one idea. For example, one Thinkblock is labeled tadpole. Another block is labeled frog. Pictures from the kit also contain small chunks of information as each picture represents one concept.
• Build micro-maps: Micro-maps are small maps with 6–8 concepts. In this micro-map, there are four main ideas.
• Add brief explanations in micro-map: The map can be expanded with additional explanations.

Step 3. Re-build and talk with micro-map.·

• Memorize key ideas in micro-map: The learner can be encouraged to memorize the information on the Thinkblocks.
• Memorize explanations for ideas in each micro-map: They can also memorize explanations of of ideas·
• Present/ write with micro-maps: The learner can be encouraged to rebuild the map independently. After rebuilding, she can be invited to talk about it or write about it. See video here.
• Curate micro-maps and narrations/ written explanations: Photos can be compiled in a systematic way for future reference.