How Do I Create Opportunities for Students to Talk and Write About Texts?

At some point in the fall semester you have the class doing self-selected reading, and you’re making your way around the room as they work independently or in pairs for the purpose of talking and writing about their reading. You’ve noticed one young man who seems to be staring intently at his text, but as you’ve glanced his way across several minutes, he’s never turned a page not lifted a pen to write. In fact his only movements seem to have been quick peeks at the clock and darting looks in your direction, seemingly to make sure you weren’t coming his way.