Sharon Thomas

We continue to move toward our goal for the Still Water Challenge! Join board member Greg Hodges to help us close the remaining gap and support programs that foster civil discourse and collaborative discussion around the globe. #touchstonesdiscussions #civildiscourse #collaborativediscussion

We are delighted to announce the 2025 Teachers of the Year: Christopher Palladino and Allyssa Hampson at Esperanza Academy Charter School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! Christopher and Allyssa have been the key architects and implementation support for the school's Touchstones work in grades 3-12.

Nominate a teacher for Touchstones Teacher of the Year! Use the link below to nominate someone who builds inclusive discussion spaces with their students. Nominations accepted through August 15.

Nomination link: forms.gle/44Js46ZmDVYf...

New blog post! Implementing any new practice into a complex environment like a classroom is challenging. Here are some ideas on how to weather those challenges for the benefit of students and adults. #touchstonesdiscussion #civildiscourse #collaborativediscussion touchstones.org/blog/the-lon...

We're halfway through our fundraising challenge to receive matching funds from the Still Water Foundation. Use the QR code (slide 2) to support civil discourse and collaborative discussion in programs with people across the lifespan! #touchstonesdiscussion #collaborativediscussion #civildiscourse

Our #NationalPoetryMonth posts continue this week by focusing on the skills of analytical reasoning, collaboration, and cooperative learning, which students can practice with this poem by Laure-Anne Bosselaar. #touchstonesdiscussions #collaborativediscussion #civildiscourse

As a part of our 2025 Transforming People Campaign, we highlight the Board members who are tasked with raising $250,000 to be matched by the Still Water Foundation. This month, meet Noelle Richmond, Touchstones advocate and volunteer in our prison program. #civildiscourse #collaborativediscussion

#NationalPoetryMonth continues with Amy Lowell's "Listening." This poem provides practice in the Touchstones Essential Skills of Leadership, Speaking, and Reflective Thinking (not to mention the one in the poem's title). #touchstonesdiscussions #civildiscourse #collaborativediscussion

Happy #NationalPoetryMonth! Each week this month, we'll highlight the Touchstones Essential Skills that students practice in every discussion by using poetry. To start, "Invictus"! #touchstonesdiscussions #touchstones #collaborativediscussion #civildiscourse

Happy First Day of Spring from Touchstones! #touchstones #touchstonesdiscussions #civildiscourse #collaborativediscussion #firstdayofspring

Help us meet the challenge!

Week 2 of our #WomensHistoryMonth posts involves excluded voices in discussion. Even the youngest students can reflect on who has been "left out" in a discussion and develop ways to open the conversation to more voices. #touchstones #touchstonesdiscussion #civildiscourse #collaborativediscussion

This week's #WomensHistoryMonth post highlights a lesson on students' personal growth. The reflective text by Saint Teresa of Avila supports students in exploring their growth in Touchstones as individuals and as a group. #touchstones #touchstonesdiscussion #civildiscourse #collaborativediscussion

Happy #WomensHistoryMonth! Touchstones builds skills to help students navigate topics deeply with civility. Each week this month, we'll highlight a lesson that teaches these skills using writings from women writers and thinkers. #touchstonesdiscussionproject #civildiscourse #collaborativediscussion

For this week of #BlackHistoryMonth, we focus on a challenging element of discourse: subtext. Teaching students to detect and respond to unspoken communication is necessary for deep understanding. Happy Black History Month! #touchstonesdiscussions #civildiscourse #collaborativediscussion

We continue celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth by examining resources for supporting students in listening, a crucial skill for children and adults. Happy Black History Month! #touchstones #touchstonesdiscussionproject #civildiscourse #collaborativediscussion

Such a fun day!

Touchstones has been awarded the Marilyn Hatza SHINE Grant from the Maryland Humanities who create and support experiences that explore and elevate our shared stories to connect people, enhance lives, and enrich communities. @mdhumanities.bsky.social

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Touchstones celebrates #BlackHistoryMonth with resources for schools in navigating emotional topics. This week, we focus on "Who has the right to speak for others?". Students learn to use their voice while also respecting others. #touchstonesdiscussions #civildiscourse #collaborativediscussion

Happy #BlackHistoryMonth! Today we continue our series on discussing historical topics using the Touchstones process. See slide 2 for today's Touchstones tip. #touchstones #touchstonesdiscussionproject #civildiscourse #collaborativediscourse

@looseendsproject.bsky.social is such a loving organization. I look forward to their posts every day.

Touchstones Discussion Project (@touchstonescircle.bsky.social) Touchstones transforms education. In Touchstones programs, people of all ages and backgrounds learn to speak intentionally, listen actively, think reflectively, and share leadership. These are tools f...

The Touchstones Discussion Project is now on Bluesky! Follow us at touchstonescircle.bsky.social!