Effective as an opener to tap into prior knowledge and inspire student interest, this fast paced exercise works best in groups with one student utilized as the scribe. For example, brainstorm everything your group knows about taxes, reptiles, fractions, Africa or civilizations…  Also great as a close – students revisit what their initial conversations were and add to their list of what they have learned. 

Timing: about 3 minutes plus a few for sharing.  (Some leaders even use this in brainstorming sessions with staffs…priorities, culture, our biggest concerns…) A versatile strategy for all grade levels.