Activity
Speak & Connect Challenge Plan
This plan outlines clear instructions and objectives to facilitate engaging communication games in today's session. Use this as your framework to ensure each activity aligns with our goal of enhancing effective communication skills.
Objective
To develop and enhance students' communication skills through interactive games focused on clear verbal expression, active listening, and effective non-verbal communication.
Structure and Activities
1. Introduction and Warm-Up (5 minutes)
- Begin with a discussion on the importance of communication in personal and academic settings.
- Ask students to share one key element they believe is essential for effective communication.
- Outline the session's objectives and briefly describe the upcoming activities.
2. Activity 1: Verbal Communication Game (10 minutes)
- Divide the class into pairs or small groups.
- Role A: Describe a picture or scenario given by the teacher with as much detail as possible.
- Role B: Listen carefully and then either ask clarifying questions or attempt to rephrase the description.
- Ensure that roles are rotated so every student gets the opportunity to both describe and listen.
3. Activity 2: Non-Verbal Communication Challenge (7 minutes)
- Organize a game where students communicate using gestures and facial expressions only, without words.
- One student is assigned a message to convey through non-verbal cues (e.g., ‘I’m excited’, ‘I need help’, or ‘I’m surprised’).
- Other students observe and attempt to guess the message being conveyed.
- Conclude with a discussion on the effectiveness of non-verbal cues and what made the message clear or ambiguous.
4. Debrief and Reflection (3 minutes)
- Engage the class in a discussion to reflect on the activities.
- Highlight the importance of both verbal and non-verbal communication skills, bridging the activities to real-life scenarios.
- Gather feedback to address any challenges and reinforce successful communication strategies.
Additional Tips for Success
- Maintain a supportive and open environment to encourage student participation.
- Monitor the time closely to ensure a smooth transition between activities.
- Encourage students to be creative and respectful in their communication during both verbal and non-verbal exercises.
Use this plan as a roadmap to help guide your session and remind students of the key strategies discussed throughout the lesson.
Lesson Plan
Communicate Like a Pro! Lesson Plan
Help 7th graders enhance verbal and non-verbal communication skills through interactive games and discussions, enabling them to express and listen effectively.
Mastering communication boosts academic achievement and builds essential social skills for personal and professional success.
Audience
7th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Engaging, hands-on, and discussion-based activities.
Prep
Preparation
5 minutes
- Review the Speak & Connect Challenge Plan to align objectives and activities.
- Prepare the Interactive Communication Games Handout and ensure all technology or printed materials are ready.
- Arrange classroom seating to facilitate group work and open communication.
Step 1
Introduction and Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Start with a conversation about why communication matters in daily life.
- Ask students to share one key element they believe is important in effective communication.
- Outline the session objectives and preview the activities.
Step 2
Activity 1: Verbal Communication Game
10 minutes
- Divide the class into pairs or small groups.
- Have one student describe a picture or scenario while the partner listens closely, then asks questions or attempts to reinterpret the description.
- Rotate roles to ensure every student practices both speaking clearly and listening actively.
Step 3
Activity 2: Non-Verbal Communication Challenge
7 minutes
- Organize a game where students communicate using gestures and facial expressions only.
- Encourage observers to guess the intended message, highlighting the importance of body language.
- Facilitate a group discussion on the strengths and challenges of non-verbal cues.
Step 4
Debrief and Reflection
3 minutes
- Conduct a brief discussion to gather student reflections on the games.
- Emphasize the key takeaways and real-life applications of effective communication.
- Answer any questions and reinforce the importance of both verbal and non-verbal communication.
Slide Deck
Communicate Like a Pro!
Welcome to our session on Communication Skills! Today, we'll explore fun games to boost the way we speak, listen, and understand each other.
Introduce the session by welcoming students and providing an overview of what effective communication means. Emphasize the importance of both verbal and non-verbal communication skills for their academic and personal lives.
Introduction and Warm-Up
- Discussion: Why does communication matter?
- Share one key element of effective communication
- Session objectives overview
Explain the warm-up activity. Ask students to share what they think is important in effective communication and encourage participation.
Activity 1: Verbal Communication Game
- Divide into pairs or small groups
- One student describes a picture/scenario, the other listens and asks questions or reinterprets the description
- Rotate roles to ensure balanced practice
Guide students through the verbal communication game. Make sure to rotate the roles so each student can practice both describing and listening.
Activity 2: Non-Verbal Communication Challenge
- Communicate using gestures and facial expressions only
- Observers guess the intended message
- Group discussion on non-verbal cues strengths and challenges
Explain the instructions for the non-verbal communication challenge. Encourage students to observe carefully and discuss the nuances of body language.
Debrief and Reflection
- Share experiences and reflections
- Discuss key takeaways
- Connect insights to everyday life communication
Wrap up the session with a quick debrief and reflection. Highlight key takeaways and connect the day's activities to real-life communication scenarios.
Activity
Interactive Communication Games Handout
This handout is your guide to the games used in today's lesson. Follow the instructions, and refer back to it during the activities to stay engaged and understand the rules.
Game 1: Verbal Communication Game
Objective: Develop clear verbal expression and active listening skills.
Instructions:
- Pairs/Group Work: You'll work with a partner or in a small group.
- Role A: Describe a picture or a scenario provided by your teacher in as much detail as you can. Focus on clear pronunciation and detail.
- Role B: Listen carefully and then ask questions or try to rephrase the description.
- Rotation: After a few minutes, switch roles so everyone gets a chance to both speak and listen.
Game 2: Non-Verbal Communication Challenge
Objective: Enhance your ability to understand and use non-verbal cues such as gestures and facial expressions.
Instructions:
- No Words Allowed: In this game, you will communicate solely through your body language. No talking is allowed!
- Act Out a Message: One student will be given a message (e.g., 'I’m excited', 'I need help', or 'I’m surprised') and must express it without speaking.
- Observation: The other students will watch carefully and try to guess the message being conveyed.
- Discussion: After the game, we will discuss which non-verbal signals worked well and what could be improved.
Tips to Remember
- Listen closely and observe carefully.
- Be creative in expressing your emotions and ideas.
- Respect your partner’s time to speak by allowing everyone a chance to share their thoughts.
- Have fun and use these cues to help build stronger communication skills in everyday life!
Keep this handout with you during the session as a reference guide!