This idea came from a Pinterest post by Erin Guinup. She didn't post a link to a website, but posted a picture of her chalkboard from doing this activity that you can see at right. You can see her pin on my Seminary Pinterest page.
Basically, you start with a topic. Each student is given a piece of chalk to write on the board their responses to the writing prompt. Students may comment in writing as many times as they want, even on each others posts, saying they agree or adding more detail.
This activity is done silently, which can be a blessed relief in a classroom full of talkative teenagers!
When I did this in my class, I wrote on the board: "Why do some people accept the gospel while others don't?" Also on the board I wrote:
- Boys - John 7:17, Mosiah 1:5
- Junior/Senior Girls - Hebrews 11:24-26, Mark 7:9
- Freshmen/Sophomore Girls - 1 Nephi 2:11-12, 1 Nephi 16:2-3
After about 20 minutes of lesson and introduction to the topic that started by reading Acts 14:21-22, I said that one of the great tribulations a missionary or disciple of Christ experiences is when people reject the gospel message. Why do some people accept the gospel, even when they hear it from a powerful, righteous missionary like Paul? I explained how the Chalk Talk would work, and students got busy reading their scriptures.
This activity went great. Thanks, Erin, for a fantastic idea that really helped students get into the scriptures.
Great for: Determining student level of understanding, Eliciting thoughtful responses, Encouraging student participation, Getting the attention of uninterested students, Giving every person a turn, Helping shy students participate, Helping students find meaning in the scriptures, Learning to share feelings, Lesson opener, Reading a serious passage, Reviewing a scripture story
Class size: Any class size
Helps Students: SEARCH the scriptures or text, SHARE feelings, thoughts, or personal experiences
Prep Time:
Student Age: Any age
Equipment needed: a piece of chalk for every student
