“Democracy begins in conversation.” Often attributed to John Dewey, this quotation holds significance for all educators. If we want our students to be active participants in a diverse democracy, we’ll need to teach them not only to think for themselves but also to talk to one another. This guide is designed to support you as you help students build these skills by practicing critical conversations. So, what is a critical conversation? For the purpose of this guide, it’s any discussion about the ways that injustice affects our lives and our society. It’s a conversation that explores the relationships between identity and power, that traces the structures that privilege some at the expense of others, that helps students think through the actions they can take to create a more just, more equitable, world. It’s important to remember that students want to talk about these issues. They recognize the injustice inherent in racism, gender bias, ableism, anti-immigrant sentiment, religious and anti-LGBTQ bias and more—and they see these prejudices at work in the world every day. In this guide, we’ve included strategies and resources to help you facilitate these discussions confidently and skillfully, whether you teach kindergarteners or high school seniors. Section I of this guide, “Laying the Groundwork for Critical Conversations,” includes steps you can take on your own or with your students to create a classroom where critical discussions can thrive. Whether you plan it ahead of time or it arises organically, when a critical conversation begins you’ll be glad you’ve taken the time to lay the groundwork. Section II, “Facilitating Critical Conversations,” offers a day-of guide for leading planned discussions in your classroom. This part of Let’s Talk! outlines steps to take at every stage of the conversation to ensure your students feel respected and heard.

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Section I: Laying the Groundwork for Critical Conversations -- On Your Own -- With Your Students -- Section II: Facilitating Critical Conversations -- Before the Conversation -- Opening the Conversation -- During the Conversation -- Closing the Conversation -- Section III: Additional Resources -- Acknowledgements.