44 Fishbowl
Catherine Moen
Strategy Overview
- Fishbowl is a speaking activity that encourages conversation within a small group, while the rest of the students listen and observe the conversation.
- This is an important activity because it allows for students to practice their oral language through public speaking and conversing with their peers.
- Fishbowl can be used in the classroom in several ways. One of the most effective ways is when your students are reading the same novel and they are given a prompt to discuss.
- During a fishbowl, “They take turns in tcaacacacacacacacahese roles to practice being both contributors and listeners in a group discussion” (“Fishbowl”, 2017).
Strategy in Action
This strategy can be best used when the whole class is reading the same novel or text. The students will be broken up into two groups. The first group will sit in the middle of the classroom while the second group sits in a circle around the group creating the “fishbowl”. The inside group will then be prompted to have a conversation about a specific topic related to the text or novel. The teacher will encourage all students to speak and refer to their text as well as any other notes or resources they have. Students will speak for 5-10 minutes while the other group listens and takes note of what the group is talking about. Once the first group is done, the next group will go to the middle of the room and the process will repeat.
Student Example
The students participated in a fishbowl while reading the novel Esperanza Rising. The students used their notes, novels, and graphic organizers to participate in this conversation. The students observing the fishbowl took notes on how the inside group did well and what they can improve on for the next time they participate in this activity.
Related Resources
Fishbowl Discussion Teaching Strategy | Facing History & Ourselves
