One of the biggest challenges in language teaching—especially in novice-level classes—is getting students to actually speak. Many teachers struggle to move beyond one-word answers, rehearsed dialogues, or the dreaded silence when students freeze under pressure. I’ve certainly been there!
Over time, I’ve developed a simple, structured routine that has been a total game changer in fostering communication and building classroom community. I call it the 2-Minute Drill, and it’s essentially a streamlined, student-driven version of a Special Person Interview. It’s low-stress, high-engagement, and packed with opportunities for meaningful interpersonal communication.
How It Works
We do this routine almost daily in my French 2 class (mostly 9th graders), and it follows a clear, predictable structure. Here’s the breakdown:
1️⃣ Students Reflect & Write (2 Minutes)
To start, I give students two quick prompts:
• What are you grateful for today?
• Where are you on our “Blob Tree” today? (A visual emotions chart)
Students take two minutes to jot down their answers. This step gives them processing time and ensures they have something to say when they start speaking.
2️⃣ Small Group Conversations (2 Minutes)
Next, I use ClassDojo to randomly generate small groups. Students discuss their responses in these groups for two minutes, with the goal of asking and answering a variety of questions and follow-ups. The key here is encouraging real conversation—rather than just listing their answers, students should be engaging with each other’s responses.
3️⃣ Whole-Class Special Person Interview (2 Minutes per Student)
Here’s where the magic happens. I use ClassDojo’s randomizer to select one student to be the “Special Person.” For the next two minutes, the rest of the class asks them as many questions as possible about their responses.
To keep things flowing smoothly:
✔️ Students pass a plushy croissant to take turns asking questions.
✔️ I award ClassDojo points for each person who speaks.
✔️ We repeat this for two students before moving on.
Why It Works
This routine checks so many boxes for effective language learning:
✅ It builds confidence. The structure makes speaking feel predictable and safe.
✅ It maximizes student talk time. Every student speaks in every round—no passive listeners!
✅ It fosters social-emotional learning. Checking in on gratitude and emotions creates a sense of connection and belonging.
✅ It creates accountability. The plushy croissant and points system keep students engaged.
✅ It’s adaptable! You can swap in different prompts or topics based on your unit.
And here’s the thing—even the students who think they’re getting away with saying the same thing every day (“Je suis reconnaissant pour ma mère” over and over again) are still building a routine of reflection and participation. Plus, we can always dig deeper by asking follow-ups!
Try It & Let Me Know!
If you’re struggling to get students talking, I highly recommend giving this routine a shot. It’s quick, effective, and fosters a classroom culture where students feel comfortable speaking up.
For those in the AfroFranco Teacher Collective PLC, I’ve uploaded a full 12-minute video to the shared drive where you can see this in action, with more details on student discussions and how I scaffold the routine. Can’t wait to debrief in our next meetings!
How do you get students speaking in your classes? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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