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Think Like Socrates: Using Questions to Invite Wonder and Empathy Into the Classroom, Grades 4-12
Socrates believed in the power of questions rather than lecturing his students. But how did we get so far away from his method of inquiry? Shanna Peeples, 2015 National Teacher of the Year, will show you how teachers can create an engaging atmosphere that encourages student questions and honors their experiences. This resource provides Questions paired with sample texts Step-by-step lessons for generating and using students' questions Lesson extensions for English language learners, special education students, and gifted and talented students Writing suggestions, in-class debate questions, and scoring rubrics Multimedia texts Protocols for using inquiry with adults as a base for professional development
304 pages, Paperback
Published September 24, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 22, 2019
Don't let the cover trick you here. This is not a book about how to have good discussions. In DOES help you do that, but it shows you how to let the students lead in the classroom. Essentially, by building relationships of trust with your students, you then show them you care about their ideas and questions. From there, in a safe environment, the kids build on their own questions--basically it's inquiry based.
Not only does this book break down how to be better at inquiry, but it also discusses how to build greater empathy. I loved that. I think teachers desperately want their students to know they care, but it can be tricky with the day in and day out of school life. Through and in-depth discussion with other educators, this book looks at all disciplines and ideas they might use in the classroom. Also, it went into populations like ELL and IEP students. This was so valuable. In essence, you could hand this book to any teacher in a 7-12 classroom, and they would find A LOT to discuss, think about, and apply.
As one final takeaway, this book actually gave me much to think about concerning PLCs. I've had many professional development courses and teachers try to lead the way in this, but it can be painful to get on board or to not be overwhelmed by data. This book really even talks about how to come together in a PLC and how to avoid things that don't authentically help kids. I'm really looking forward to utilizing many of the inspirations and ideas shared in this book!
Not only does this book break down how to be better at inquiry, but it also discusses how to build greater empathy. I loved that. I think teachers desperately want their students to know they care, but it can be tricky with the day in and day out of school life. Through and in-depth discussion with other educators, this book looks at all disciplines and ideas they might use in the classroom. Also, it went into populations like ELL and IEP students. This was so valuable. In essence, you could hand this book to any teacher in a 7-12 classroom, and they would find A LOT to discuss, think about, and apply.
As one final takeaway, this book actually gave me much to think about concerning PLCs. I've had many professional development courses and teachers try to lead the way in this, but it can be painful to get on board or to not be overwhelmed by data. This book really even talks about how to come together in a PLC and how to avoid things that don't authentically help kids. I'm really looking forward to utilizing many of the inspirations and ideas shared in this book!
December 23, 2018
Consider this book a tool box full of ideas for inquiry in the classroom. The book is rooted in theory and research but is set apart by its classroom practicality. While student inquiry is typically associated with ELA classrooms, this book has sections for different disciplines with ideas to encourage inquiry within each discipline. This is Shanna Peeples at her best - using her experience and wisdom to help teachers get better thus offering students a richer education.
July 22, 2019
Don't let the cover trick you here. This is not a book about how to have good discussions. In DOES help you do that, but it shows you how to let the students lead in the classroom. Essentially, by building relationships of trust with your students, you then show them you care about their ideas and questions. From there, in a safe environment, the kids build on their own questions--basically it's inquiry based.
Not only does this book break down how to be better at inquiry, but it also discusses how to build greater empathy. I loved that. I think teachers desperately want their students to know they care, but it can be tricky with the day in and day out of school life. Through and in-depth discussion with other educators, this book looks at all disciplines and ideas they might use in the classroom. Also, it went into populations like ELL and IEP students. This was so valuable. In essence, you could hand this book to any teacher in a 7-12 classroom, and they would find A LOT to discuss, think about, and apply.
As one final takeaway, this book actually gave me much to think about concerning PLCs. I've had many professional development courses and teachers try to lead the way in this, but it can be painful to get on board or to not be overwhelmed by data. This book really even talks about how to come together in a PLC and how to avoid things that don't authentically help kids. I'm really looking forward to utilizing many of the inspirations and ideas shared in this book!
Not only does this book break down how to be better at inquiry, but it also discusses how to build greater empathy. I loved that. I think teachers desperately want their students to know they care, but it can be tricky with the day in and day out of school life. Through and in-depth discussion with other educators, this book looks at all disciplines and ideas they might use in the classroom. Also, it went into populations like ELL and IEP students. This was so valuable. In essence, you could hand this book to any teacher in a 7-12 classroom, and they would find A LOT to discuss, think about, and apply.
As one final takeaway, this book actually gave me much to think about concerning PLCs. I've had many professional development courses and teachers try to lead the way in this, but it can be painful to get on board or to not be overwhelmed by data. This book really even talks about how to come together in a PLC and how to avoid things that don't authentically help kids. I'm really looking forward to utilizing many of the inspirations and ideas shared in this book!
April 28, 2019
Every example (and there are A LOT of examples) in this book of how to focus students' own questions to lesson development is authentically grounded in students acquiring an academic skill/concept, students becoming active and thoughtful citizens, and students being free to be their full true selves. I love how this book champions the thoughts/fears/desires/questions of even our youngest learners to address how these minds ache for more education, more mindfulness, more empathy... just more understanding of themselves and the world at large. I think this type impact is a central reason I became an educator, so I'm appreciative of this clear and easy-to-follow guide available to me now in the form of this lovely book.
June 18, 2022
This book says grades 4-12 but I feel like the lessons are pretty universal for educators at all levels. I am endlessly thinking and preparing 'what' I am going to teach but this book is quite eye opening when it comes to the importance of the 'how'. A lot of insight for building an empathetic environment and classroom where everyone feels comfortable sharing and discussing, which are necessities when the subjects being discussed are controversial in nature. Some of the advice simply isn't possible when dealing with large classrooms but I think there's more than enough great ideas in here that are easy to prepare and implement and will lead to a better learning environment. Extremely pleased as I simultaneously transition into my Socratic era and my Columbo era, I don't think it's possible to know less than I do at this current moment in time. 5 Stars.
December 5, 2021
This book is very well written and really challenges you to assess how you teach and how much agency you give students. The author is an excellent writer and also gives plenty of examples to make the book and her theories/concepts come alive.
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March 19, 2025I have an ongoing interest in inquiry models, so this one was helpful
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews