Lesson Plan
Communication Skills Workshop
Students will master active listening and constructive expression techniques to improve interpersonal communication skills.
Enhancing communication fosters healthier relationships and builds social confidence among 7th-grade students in group settings.
Audience
7th Grade Group
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive workshop with paired activities and reflective practice.
Prep
Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Communication Skills Workshop lesson plan for framework details.
- Familiarize yourself with the slide deck Techniques For Effective Communication to support key concepts.
- Ensure materials for the activities, such as Listening Pairs and Expressing Feelings Constructively, are ready for distribution.
- Prepare the classroom setting to encourage open discussion and group engagement.
Step 1
Introduction and Discussion
5 minutes
- Begin with a brief class discussion on why communication is essential in building relationships.
- Introduce key terms: active listening and constructive expression.
- Invite students to share examples of good communication they've observed.
Step 2
Active Listening Activity
10 minutes
- Organize students into pairs using the Listening Pairs activity guide.
- Instruct one student to speak while the other listens without interrupting, then have them switch roles.
- Debrief with the class and discuss challenges and successes.
Step 3
Expressing Feelings Constructively
10 minutes
- Distribute the Expressing Feelings Constructively worksheet.
- Guide students through scenarios where they practice expressing feelings using positive language.
- Encourage role-playing and group feedback to reinforce learning.
Slide Deck
Techniques For Effective Communication
Welcome to our workshop on effective communication. Today, we'll focus on mastering active listening and expressing feelings constructively.
Introduce the topic and purpose of the slide deck. Explain that these techniques are practical tools for clear and effective communication, essential for building healthy relationships.
Active Listening
• Focus on the speaker’s words
• Avoid interrupting
• Reflect and ask questions
Remember: Listening is just as important as speaking!
Discuss the importance of active listening. Emphasize how truly paying attention without interruptions can lead to better understanding and empathy.
Expressing Feelings Constructively
• Use 'I' statements to express personal feelings.
• Be clear and honest without blaming others.
• Practice empathy and validation.
Explain the technique of expressing feelings in a positive, constructive way. Provide examples and encourage students to think of their own scenarios.
Putting It All Together
• Combine active listening and constructive expression for effective communication.
• Practice these techniques in daily interactions to build healthy relationships.
Summarize key points from the session. Encourage students to share thoughts and reflect on how these techniques can improve their interactions.
Activity
Communicate Like a Pro: Active Listening and Expressing Feelings Constructively
This activity is designed to help you understand effective communication through active listening and positive expression of personal feelings. You'll experience the power of truly listening and learn how to share your thoughts constructively.
Guidelines for the Activity
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Stay Respectful: Always let your partner finish speaking without interrupting. Focus on understanding their thoughts and feelings.
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Take Turns: One partner speaks while the other listens. After a few minutes, switch roles so both get a chance to speak and listen.
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Reflect and Share: After each round, take a moment to reflect on what you heard. Discuss any insights or challenges you experienced.
Instructions
Step 1: Pair Up
n- Organize yourselves into pairs. If you have an odd number of students, the teacher will help form a group of three.
Step 2: Active Listening Practice
- One partner will be the speaker, and the other will be the listener.
- The speaker will share a recent experience or thought related to building healthy relationships.
- The listener should focus on truly understanding, without interrupting. Nod, maintain eye contact, and show empathy.
Step 3: Role Reversal
- After 5 minutes, switch roles so that the listener now becomes the speaker and vice versa.
Step 4: Group Debrief
- Once both partners have shared, come together as a small group or class. Discuss:
- What made it challenging or easy to listen actively?
- How did your feelings change after expressing them constructively?
- What practices could you take home to improve your daily communication?
Follow-Up Questions
- What specific techniques did you find most useful in ensuring you were a good listener?
- How might active listening improve your relationships with family or friends?
- Can you think of a time when better communication could have improved a situation? What could you do differently next time?
Remember the key concepts from the Techniques For Effective Communication slide deck and the Communication Skills Workshop as you work on this activity.
Happy Listening and Communicating!
Worksheet
Expressing Feelings Constructively
In this worksheet, you will practice expressing your feelings using positive and constructive language. Use the scenarios below to guide your practice and write your responses in the space provided.
Scenario 1: A Friend is Late
Imagine a situation where your friend is repeatedly late when you meet up. Write down how you feel about this situation. Then, rewrite your feelings using an "I" statement that expresses your emotions without blaming your friend.
Step 1: Describe Your Feelings
Step 2: Construct a Positive "I" Statement
Scenario 2: Group Project Disagreements
You are working on a group project and your ideas are being ignored by some team members. Write down your initial emotional response to the situation. Then, create a constructive response that helps communicate your feelings and opens up a dialogue for improvement.
Step 1: Describe Your Initial Reaction
Step 2: Write a Constructive Response Using "I" Statements
Scenario 3: Feeling Overwhelmed with Schoolwork
Sometimes, schoolwork can become overwhelming, and it's hard to keep up with everything. Reflect on how you feel during these times and practice expressing your feelings constructively to someone who might help you, such as a teacher or friend.
Step 1: Describe How You Feel When Overwhelmed
Step 2: Write a Constructive Message Using "I" Statements to Ask for Help
Reflective Questions
- How did it feel to reframe your emotions as "I" statements?
- Why do you think expressing your feelings constructively can help improve a situation?
- How might practicing these techniques improve your relationships with others?
Take your time to think about each scenario and write thoughtful responses. Remember, the goal is to express your feelings in a way that is clear, respectful, and open to a solution.