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Communication Currents

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Ashley Greene

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Communication Currents Lesson Plan

Students will explore the importance of effective communication, practice active listening, assertive expression, and conflict resolution skills to improve their interpersonal interactions.

This lesson helps students develop essential life skills, enabling them to express themselves clearly, understand others better, and navigate disagreements constructively, leading to stronger relationships with peers and adults.

Audience

Grades 5-8

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussions, role-playing, and group activities.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Communication Currents Slide Deck, Role-Playing Scenarios Activity, and Communication Reflections Discussion

Prep

Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review the Communication Currents Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
    * Print or prepare to project the Role-Playing Scenarios Activity.
    * Ensure you have a whiteboard or projector and markers/pens ready.
    * Review the Communication Reflections Discussion prompts and consider how to facilitate the conversation effectively.
    * Arrange the classroom for group work if desired, or ensure students can easily form small groups for the activity and discussion.

Step 1

Introduction: What Are Communication Currents?

10 minutes

  • Begin by asking students what comes to mind when they hear the word "communication." Allow for a few responses.
    * Introduce the concept of "Communication Currents" using the Communication Currents Slide Deck (Slide 1-3). Explain that just like ocean currents, our conversations have flows and can sometimes be calm or turbulent.
    * Discuss the learning objective for the lesson: to learn how to navigate these currents effectively (Slide 4).

Step 2

Active Listening: The Anchor

15 minutes

  • Transition to active listening using the Communication Currents Slide Deck (Slide 5).
    * Explain what active listening is (paying full attention, showing you're listening, understanding, not just waiting to speak).
    * Provide examples of active listening behaviors (eye contact, nodding, asking clarifying questions, paraphrasing).
    * Lead a quick pair-share activity: Have students share a fun fact about themselves with a partner, practicing active listening. Encourage them to summarize what their partner said afterward. (Slide 6-7).

Step 3

Assertive Expression: Your Compass

15 minutes

  • Introduce assertive expression using the Communication Currents Slide Deck (Slide 8). Differentiate it from passive and aggressive communication.
    * Discuss "I-statements" as a key tool for assertive communication (e.g., "I feel [emotion] when [situation] because [reason], and I need [solution]"). (Slide 9).
    * Have students brainstorm scenarios where they might need to use an I-statement (e.g., a friend borrows something and doesn't return it, someone interrupts them). Share a few examples as a class. (Slide 10).

Step 4

Navigating Conflict: Your Chart

15 minutes

  • Discuss conflict as a natural part of communication currents. Introduce conflict resolution strategies using the Communication Currents Slide Deck (Slide 11).
    * Focus on strategies like finding common ground, brainstorming solutions, and knowing when to seek help from an adult.
    * Introduce the Role-Playing Scenarios Activity. Divide students into small groups (3-4 students). Assign each group a scenario from the activity and have them practice using active listening and assertive expression to resolve the conflict. (Slide 12).

Step 5

Debrief and Reflection

5 minutes

  • Bring the class back together. Ask each group to share one key takeaway or a moment where they successfully navigated a communication current during their role-play.
    * Facilitate a class discussion using the Communication Reflections Discussion prompts. (Slide 13).
    * Emphasize that practicing these skills helps build stronger relationships and a more positive communication environment.
    * Conclude by reminding students that they now have tools (anchor, compass, chart) to navigate their own "Communication Currents." (Slide 14).
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Slide Deck

Communication Currents: Navigating Our Conversations

How do we make our conversations clear and respectful?

Welcome students and introduce the lesson's exciting topic. Ask students what comes to mind when they hear 'communication.'

What is Communication?

It's how we share ideas, feelings, and information with others. It's a two-way street!

Explain that communication is more than just talking. It's about sending and receiving messages effectively.

Understanding "Communication Currents"

Just like ocean currents, our conversations can be smooth, tricky, or even a little stormy. Learning to navigate them helps us connect better!

Use the analogy of ocean currents. Some conversations are calm, some are a bit choppy, and some can be very strong. We need tools to navigate them.

Our Goal Today

Learn to use essential tools to make your communication clear, respectful, and effective.

Clearly state the learning goals for the lesson. Students should understand what they will gain.

Tool 1: Active Listening (The Anchor)

Being an active listener means truly hearing and understanding what someone else is saying, not just waiting for your turn to speak.

Introduce active listening as the first crucial tool. Emphasize that it's about truly understanding, not just hearing.

How to Be an Active Listener

  • Eyes on the Speaker: Make eye contact.
  • Show You're Engaged: Nod, use encouraging sounds (e.g., "Mmm-hmm," "I see").
  • Ask Questions: "Can you tell me more?"
  • Paraphrase: "So, if I understand correctly, you're saying..."
  • Don't Interrupt: Let them finish their thoughts.

Provide concrete examples of what active listening looks like and sounds like. Encourage students to think about why these behaviors are helpful.

Practice: Pair Share Fun Facts!

Find a partner and share a fun fact about yourself. Your partner will practice active listening and then tell you what they heard.

Facilitate the pair-share activity mentioned in the lesson plan. Give clear instructions and a time limit.

Tool 2: Assertive Expression (The Compass)

Assertive communication means expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly and respectfully, while also respecting others.

Introduce assertive communication. It's about respecting yourself and others. Briefly touch on passive (don't speak up) and aggressive (speak up harshly) as contrasts.

Using "I-Statements"

Instead of blaming, use "I-statements" to share how you feel.

Example: "I feel (emotion) when (situation) because (reason), and I need (solution)."

Explain the structure of I-statements and how they help to communicate feelings and needs without blaming.

Brainstorm: When to Use an I-Statement?

Think of a time you might need to express yourself clearly without blaming. How would you use an I-statement?

Give students a moment to think of their own I-statement examples. Ask for volunteers to share.

Tool 3: Navigating Conflict (The Chart)

Conflict is a part of life! Use these strategies to find your way through disagreements:

  • Listen to Understand: What does the other person need?
  • Find Common Ground: What do you both agree on?
  • Brainstorm Solutions: Think of ideas together.
  • Know When to Ask for Help: If it's too big, ask an adult.

Acknowledge that conflict happens. Present positive strategies for working through disagreements.

Practice: Role-Playing Scenarios

Work in small groups to act out different situations. Use your active listening and assertive expression skills to navigate the conflict!

Introduce the role-playing activity. Explain that they will put all three tools into practice.

Reflection: What Did We Learn?

Let's discuss our experiences and insights from today's lesson.

Lead the class discussion using the prompts from the Communication Reflections Discussion material.

Keep Navigating Your Communication Currents!

You now have your anchor, compass, and chart to help you communicate clearly and respectfully in all your conversations!

Conclude by summarizing the key takeaways and encouraging students to use their new skills. Reinforce the metaphor.

lenny

Activity

Role-Playing Scenarios: Navigating Communication Currents

Instructions:

  1. Work in your assigned small groups (3-4 students).
  2. Choose one scenario from the list below.
  3. Assign roles to each group member (e.g., Speaker A, Speaker B, Observer).
  4. Act out the scenario, practicing active listening and using "I-statements" for assertive expression.
  5. The observer should pay attention to how well the group uses these communication skills.
  6. After the role-play, discuss within your group:
    • What went well?
    • What was challenging?
    • How could you improve your communication?

Scenarios:

Scenario 1: The Group Project Mix-Up

  • Situation: You are working on a group project, and one member (Liam) isn't doing their share of the work. The deadline is approaching, and you're worried about your grade. You need to talk to Liam about it.
  • Roles: Student A (concerned), Student B (Liam), Observer.

Scenario 2: Borrowed But Not Returned

  • Situation: Your friend (Maya) borrowed your favorite book last week and hasn't returned it. You need it for a school assignment, but you don't want to upset her.
  • Roles: Student A (needs book back), Student B (Maya), Observer.

Scenario 3: The Interruption Impasse

  • Situation: During class discussion, you keep getting interrupted by another classmate (Chris) whenever you try to share an idea. You feel frustrated and unheard.
  • Roles: Student A (being interrupted), Student B (Chris), Observer.

Scenario 4: The Misunderstood Message

  • Situation: You told a friend (Sam) something in confidence, and now it seems like other people know about it. You feel betrayed and want to understand what happened.
  • Roles: Student A (misunderstood), Student B (Sam), Observer.
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lenny

Discussion

Communication Reflections Discussion

Instructions:

Let's reflect on what we've learned about navigating communication currents. Be open and honest with your thoughts.

Discussion Prompts:

  1. What was one new thing you learned about communication today?


  2. Why is active listening an important skill in your daily life? Can you think of a time when active listening would have made a difference?





  3. When might it be challenging to use an "I-statement"? How can you remind yourself to use them?





  4. What is one strategy for resolving conflict that you think you could use more often with friends or family?





  5. How do you think improving your communication skills can help you build stronger relationships?










  6. What does it mean to be a
lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Communication Currents Lesson Plan

Students will explore the importance of effective communication, practice active listening, assertive expression, and conflict resolution skills to improve their interpersonal interactions.

This lesson helps students develop essential life skills, enabling them to express themselves clearly, understand others better, and navigate disagreements constructively, leading to stronger relationships with peers and adults.

Audience

Grades 5-8

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussions, role-playing, and group activities.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Communication Currents Slide Deck, Role-Playing Scenarios Activity, and Communication Reflections Discussion

Prep

Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review the Communication Currents Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
    * Print or prepare to project the Role-Playing Scenarios Activity.
    * Ensure you have a whiteboard or projector and markers/pens ready.
    * Review the Communication Reflections Discussion prompts and consider how to facilitate the conversation effectively.
    * Arrange the classroom for group work if desired, or ensure students can easily form small groups for the activity and discussion.

Step 1

Introduction: What Are Communication Currents?

10 minutes

  • Begin by asking students what comes to mind when they hear the word "communication." Allow for a few responses.
    * Introduce the concept of "Communication Currents" using the Communication Currents Slide Deck (Slide 1-3). Explain that just like ocean currents, our conversations have flows and can sometimes be calm or turbulent.
    * Discuss the learning objective for the lesson: to learn how to navigate these currents effectively (Slide 4).

Step 2

Active Listening: The Anchor

15 minutes

  • Transition to active listening using the Communication Currents Slide Deck (Slide 5).
    * Explain what active listening is (paying full attention, showing you're listening, understanding, not just waiting to speak).
    * Provide examples of active listening behaviors (eye contact, nodding, asking clarifying questions, paraphrasing).
    * Lead a quick pair-share activity: Have students share a fun fact about themselves with a partner, practicing active listening. Encourage them to summarize what their partner said afterward. (Slide 6-7).

Step 3

Assertive Expression: Your Compass

15 minutes

  • Introduce assertive expression using the Communication Currents Slide Deck (Slide 8). Differentiate it from passive and aggressive communication.
    * Discuss
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