Parlay Universe
A library of ready-made discussion prompts.
1. Browse thousands of topics.
Browse discussion prompts for a wide range of subjects and topics. Created by teachers in the community and the Parlay team.
2. Use any topic in your class.
One-click to add a prompt to your Parlay classroom. Make any edits you want to suit the needs of your students.
3. Create your own portfolio.
Contribute your own custom discussion prompts and add them to your Universe portfolio for others to use.
Online RoundTable
A written discussion activity.
1. Create a discussion prompt.
Create a discussion prompt from scratch or copy one from the Parlay Universe.
Invite students via email, magic link, Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams.
2. Gather student responses.
Students submit a unique response before seeing their classmates’ ideas.
Optional secret identities help give all students an equal voice.
3. Encourage deep dialogue.
Students read through and respond to each others’ ideas during class or on their own time.
Guided feedback questions help scaffold engagement and encourage critical thinking.
4. Highlight exemplary responses.
Teachers can star “model submissions” to highlight exemplary responses and ideas.
All model responses are aggregated in the class summary (see below).
5. Reflect on engagement.
Review class-wide engagement analytics individually or as a group.
Guiding questions are provided to encourage deeper reflection.
6. Feedback and Assessment
Teacher reviews and provides feedback on individual student engagement.
Option to assess students based on custom success criteria.
Live RoundTable
A verbal discussion activity.
1. Create a prompt.
Share resources and guiding questions for the class discussion.
Invite students via email, magic link, Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams.
2. Students take notes.
Students take down notes before the start of the RoundTable.
This can be done during class or for homework before the live discussion.
3. Students discuss.
Students “Tap In” when they want to participate: share a new idea, build on, challenge, or question.
Students take notes, vote to encourage others to contribute, and give kudos.
4. Teachers facilitate.
Teachers take notes, run live polls, and “nudge” to encourage quiet students.
A queue system helps you (or a student moderator) make the discussion more orderly and inclusive.
5. Reflect as a group.
Review class-wide engagement analytics individually or as a group.
Guiding questions are provided to encourage deeper reflection and build a positive culture of class discussion.
6. Feedback and Assessment
Teacher reviews and provides feedback on individual student engagement.
Option to assess students based on custom success criteria.
FAQ
Teachers from grade 3 all the way up to masters programs use Parlay.
Our sweet spot is in grades 5 – 12.
Yes. Parlay works best with Chromebooks, laptops, or iPads for every student.
Yes, and Parlay integrates with Google and Microsoft single sign on.
Users can also create accounts using an email address.
Both. Parlay is a blended-learning tool. The Online RoundTable can be used inside or outside the classroom. The Live RoundTable is only used inside the classroom.
Yes. Users can write / discuss in almost any language. Buttons and menus are all in English.
Yes. We are COPPA, FERPA, and CSPC certified! We are also a signatory of the Student Privacy Pledge.
Click here to learn more about our options for schools and districts.
Yes! We offer free 1-hour PD sessions for any school or group of teachers looking to learn more. You can also join one of our 4-times-per-week webinars, or book a private demo here. Finally, we have many self-serve resources in our Teacher Resources Folder.