Community Discussion

Saturday Community Discussion

April 8, 2023 | 11am - 12pm EST

Virtual

Everyone is welcome to join us for our bi-weekly Saturday Community Discussion. This volunteer-led program brings people together to think deeply about ideas and questions connected to the topic of community. Whether you’re just getting familiar with Touchstones or you’re a seasoned discussion leader, Online Community Discussions offer a way to practice discussion skills together and connect with others. This is a free, drop-in program, and we invite you to come as often as you are able. Learn more about our Online Community Discussion Program here.

Community Discussion

Thursday Community Discussion

April 20, 2023 | 7:30pm - 8:45pm EST

Virtual

Everyone is welcome to join us for the latest of our quarterly Thursday Online Community Discussion. This month we come together to think deeply about ideas and questions connected to the topic of community and Earth Day. Whether you’re just getting familiar with Touchstones or you’re a seasoned discussion leader, Online Community Discussions offer a way to practice discussion skills together and build community. Learn more about our Online Community Discussion Program here.

1 Day Workshop

A Taste of Touchstones

June 4, 2023 | 2:00pm - 5:00pm EST

Virtual

If you’re interested in using Touchstones in your school or classroom in the fall, and want to experience the method for yourself, this workshop is for you! This shorter version of our full Level 1 workshop focuses on strategies for addressing issues of participation and cooperation in a group. You'll connect with other educators and get a taste of the discussion leadership skills you or your teachers build in the full workshop.

Conference/Summit

Touchstones 2023 Educator Summit: Building Trust, Equity, and Belonging Through Discussion

July 18-20, 2023

Winter Harbor, Maine

Our first ever Educator Summit builds on what our workshops do well and enhances the experience through an in-person cohort. Join us this summer for 3 days of deep connection, authentic learning, and joyous inspiration to take back to your classroom. Learn more about speakers and sessions here.

Multi-Session Workshop

Diving into Touchpebbles

July 24-27, 2023 | 11:30am - 1:30pm EST

Virtual

In this workshop, specifically designed for elementary educators, you'll dig deep into how to support younger learners in building an inclusive discussion environment. Attendees will connect with other elementary educators in the cohort, explore questions from your classroom experience, and learn strategies to strengthen your discussion leadership for the 2023 school year. Topics we'll explore include:

• Addressing the barriers to participation
• Using student observers
• Strategies for promoting active listening + self-regulation
• Assessing essential discussion skills using portfolios

Multi-Session Workshop

Back to School Workshop

August 2-3, 2023 | 2:00pm - 5:00pm EST

Virtual

This workshop provides all the preparation you need to begin running Touchstones discussions with your students or refresh your skills. You’ll have ample opportunity to practice the Touchstones discussion method and explore strategies for developing students' essential discussion skills across all Four Stages of group development: Participation, Cooperation, Active listening, and Collaborative Leadership. Attendees will leave connected to experienced Touchstones staff and a network of other educators they can turn to for support.