Maryland ELA SL.8.1.b

ELA8th GradeSpeaking and Listening

The Standard

SL.8.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly. Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation and other information known about the topic to explore ideas under discussion. Follow rules for collegial discussions, set specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed. Pose questions that elicit elaboration and respond to others’ questions and comments with relevant observations and ideas that bring the discussion back on topic as needed. Acknowledge new information expressed by others and, when warranted, modify their own views.

Follow rules for collegial discussions, set specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.

Maryland College and Career Ready Standards for English Language Arts (2025)

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students decide how to take turns and keep a group conversation on track. They choose a clear outcome and finish time, then split jobs if the group needs them.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student waits for others to finish and invites a quieter classmate to speak. They help the group set a target, such as choosing a claim by minute five, and suggest a timekeeper when needed.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think 'be nice' is enough of a rule, even when people interrupt. They may set a goal like 'talk about the story' without naming what they will produce or when. Some think the person with a role should do all the talking.
How to Assess It: Give groups four minutes to answer, 'Which character in our current text made the hardest choice?' Before they start, have them name a turn-taking rule, set a deadline for an answer backed by evidence, and choose jobs if needed; listen for the rule in use.

Lesson moves

Give groups role cards and a timer; have them choose jobs, agree on a turn-taking rule, and make a claim about a text in six minutes.
Ask students to write: Which rule helped everyone speak in your last group discussion, and what would you change next time?
Run a discussion reset game: pause when someone interrupts, ask the group to name the rule, then restart with a different speaker.
Give groups a mock school lunch committee agenda and five minutes to recommend one menu change, with a recorder and timekeeper if needed.

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