Jeter-Watson Elementary School fifth graders Anisha Scott, left, and Levi Fehle discuss the importance of talking about what they learn in class. Both students serve on the superintendent’s student advisory committee.

Talk It Out: AHPS Turns Conversation into Learning   Covington, VA (Oct. 7, 2026) - Students across Alleghany Highlands Public Schools are getting more opportunities to talk about what they are learning as teachers use classroom discussion to help students build vocabulary, explain their thinking and identify misunderstandings. The strategy is being used throughout the school division. Teachers at Jeter-Watson Elementary School and Mountain View Elementary School have received additional training from Martha Powers of Cardinal Education and Consulting. Powers previously worked as a school quality specialist with the Virginia Department of Education. Powers has emphasized student conversation as a simple teaching strategy that helps students learn. In classrooms, the approach can be simple: Students turn to a classmate to explain an answer, discuss a new concept or describe how they solved a problem. Students say they are noticing the difference. “Talking about what you learn in class is good because when you talk about it, you can learn new things or you can review what you’ve learned,” said Anisha Scott, a fifth grader at Jeter-Watson Elementary School and a member of the superintendent’s student advisory committee. Anisha said students practice reading and speaking in complete sentences during Morning Meetings. In science class, she said, her teacher, Karen Jordan, frequently asks students to explain concepts to their “neighbors,” giving everyone a chance to participate. The conversations also give teachers a clearer picture of student understanding. When students explain their thinking, teachers can identify misunderstandings early and provide additional support. Students also have opportunities to learn from their classmates and become more comfortable sharing questions and mistakes. “Even at home it can help,” said Levi Fehle, also a fifth grader at Jeter-Watson Elementary School and a member of the superintendent’s student advisory committee. Levi said he enjoys talking with his parents about school. He has noticed that his teachers are asking more students to share their answers and encouraging students to discuss their thinking with classmates. Families can continue those conversations at home, school officials said. “I think we all need reminders that it is important to talk with children about their learning and their interests,” Superintendent Kim Halterman said. “I want to thank everyone for taking an interest in children this way.” Parents do not need special materials, specific knowledge, or a lot of extra time to support the strategy. Simple questions about the school day can encourage children to reflect on their learning. One question Halterman recommends is: “What is the hardest thing you did today, and how did you figure it out?” The question encourages children to talk about more than whether they got an answer right. It asks them to consider a challenge, the steps they took and what they learned along the way. “Talking about schoolwork is a learning strategy,” Halterman said. For AHPS, Halterman said, that strategy reaches beyond the classroom. When students talk about their learning with classmates, teachers and families, they have more opportunities to explain their ideas, learn from others and reflect on their own growth.

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