Communicate to Connect

Billy Cline

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Communicate to Connect

Develop communication skills

This lesson focuses on developing effective communication skills to build and maintain healthy relationships. Students will practice active listening and assertive communication through role-playing exercises. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential skills for personal and professional interactions, fostering better understanding and collaboration.

Audience

High School Students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Develop communication skills

Materials

Role-Playing Scenarios, Discussion Questions, and Worksheet: Communication Skills

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of communication in relationships.
Ask students to share examples of good and bad communication they have experienced.

Step 2

Active Listening Activity

10 mins

Explain the concept of active listening and its components (e.g., eye contact, nodding, summarizing).
Pair students and have them practice active listening with a simple conversation topic.
Debrief with the class on what they found challenging or easy.

Step 3

Assertive Communication Role-Play

15 mins

Introduce assertive communication and its benefits over passive or aggressive styles.
Distribute role-playing scenarios to pairs or small groups.
Have students act out scenarios focusing on assertive communication.
Discuss as a class the different approaches and outcomes.

Step 4

Discussion

10 mins

Use the prepared discussion questions to facilitate a conversation about the role of communication in healthy relationships.
Encourage students to reflect on how they can apply these skills in their own lives.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Summarize key points from the lesson.
Ask students to share one communication skill they plan to practice.
Distribute the worksheet for students to complete as homework or in class if time permits.

Worksheet

Role-Playing Scenarios

These cards contain scenarios for students to role-play, focusing on assertive communication skills.

Scenario 1: Asking a friend to return a borrowed item.

Scenario 2: Discussing a group project deadline with a classmate.

Scenario 3: Expressing feelings about a misunderstanding with a teacher.

Scenario 4: Negotiating chores with a sibling.

Discussion

Discussion Questions

These questions are designed to facilitate a discussion on communication skills and their impact on relationships.

Why is active listening important in communication?

Discuss how active listening helps in understanding and reduces misunderstandings.

What are the differences between assertive, passive, and aggressive communication?

Explore the characteristics and outcomes of each communication style.

How can effective communication skills benefit your personal relationships?

Encourage students to think about real-life applications and improvements in relationships.

Worksheet

Communication Skills Worksheet

This worksheet helps students reflect on their communication skills and plan improvements.

List three active listening techniques you can use in conversations.

Consider techniques like summarizing, asking questions, and maintaining eye contact.

Describe a situation where you used assertive communication. What was the outcome?

Think about a recent interaction where you expressed your needs clearly.

Identify one communication skill you want to improve and how you plan to do it.

Reflect on today's lesson and personal experiences.