Every classroom has student talk—but the patterns can look really different. Sometimes most of the talking comes from the teacher. Other times, a handful of students carry the discussion. And occasionally, you’ll see the whole class buzzing with ideas. Expanded Student Talk is about noticing these patterns and then making intentional choices to give all students more opportunities to think out loud, build on each other’s ideas, and make meaning together.

In this Zone, you’ll get a chance to reflect on what talk currently looks like in your classroom or school, explore what we mean by expanded student talk, and consider some key mindsets that help create space for every learner’s voice. The goal isn’t to judge what you’re doing now—it’s to start from where you are and explore how student talk can become an even stronger driver of learning and equity in your community.