Café Conversation Starters

Replies to This Conversation

Permalink Reply by Donald Proffit on October 27, 2012 at 7:15am

Augustine,
Thank you for contacting me. As Amy has indicated, I have done a number of World Cafés with children. Most have been in a school setting and on the themes of ethics and shared values. Students' "voice and choice" as a vital part of their learning process is a very powerful concept. The World Café process is a wonderful format for the development of student voice and as a vehicle for young people to take action in the world.

Café questions should be inviting, personal and down to earth. Questions that ask children what they really think and care about are the most powerful.

Let me know if you have any questions. I'm happy to continue the conversation.

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Permalink Reply by Augustine Veliath on October 27, 2012 at 7:58am

thank you. 'Voice and Choice ' a very interesting and a very apt expression

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Permalink Reply by David Cobb on October 27, 2012 at 12:00pm

Hi Donald,

I am also taking the class and am interested in the value of WCs for children and teens. Can we discuss what you've learned in doing these with youth and how it may be distinctive from working with adults?

Very curious and thank you.

David Cobb

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Permalink Reply by Donald Proffit on October 29, 2012 at 4:31am

David,
Depending on the age of the students, the role that teachers and other adults serve in the Café can be very helpful. With younger fourth and fifth graders, I sometimes have teachers at tables or close by, not as part of the conversation, but to facilitate a sense of fairness so that all children have an opportunity to speak during each round of conversation. With older students, grades 6 - 8, the adults are on hand to answer any clarifying questions students may have re: process or topic, but remain on the periphery unless needed. High school students handle the Café process extremely well once an issue or question has been framed and the process explained.

Table covering and markers for doodling, drawing, charting the conversation keep students actively involved with the conversation when not speaking. This was a powerful discovery for me. When I first witnessed young students drawing during a Café, I thought it had turned into a massive art project, but soon learned that students were deeply listening to each other. For tactile learners, it's a must.

All in all, Cafés with children and students are energetic and full of surprises. I'm always amazed with the outcome and the potential for students taking action on what they truly care about following the conversation.

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Permalink Reply by Nicole Bossard on March 30, 2015 at 3:22pm

Just found these, Don! Thanks for sharing them. Looking forward to integrating the idea into future WCs.

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Permalink Reply by Donald Proffit on March 31, 2015 at 3:35am

Hope you find them useful.

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Permalink Reply by Diane S. Fraley on July 5, 2017 at 4:22am

Thank You Donald. A nice gift and great thought starters.

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Permalink Reply by Donald Proffit on July 5, 2017 at 4:59am

Enjoy!

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