How does this Fishbowl thing work anyway??

To begin, literary workshops are great tools to have handy! In this exercise the main focus is the power of discussion. The elements in this workshop include the desks, students, and an controversial topic or theme.

Students will form two circles with their chairs or desks. One circle will be bigger than the other. The smaller circle will consist of 5 or so desks and the bigger circle will consist of 10 or so desks (depending on how many students you have). We found it easy to break the class up into two sections, especially if you have a large class size. 

Next, the rules of the game! Students inside the inner circle are the "talkers." The students in the bigger circle are the "tappers." For example, if you're in the inner circle you are the ones discussing the topic or theme. You have to speak once and finish your point before someone can "tap" you out. 

Lastly, once everyone has had a chance to speak the teacher can either change the theme or topic or end the activity all together. Upon completion the next step is to reflect. Some questions or ideas we  thought that would really help the students understand the topic and workshop were:

• Compose a synopsis of your reflection of the conversations inside the fishbowl today. 
• Did you find yourself changing your opinions based on others opinions?
• Do you feel you gained a better understanding of the topic? Why?