Feelings Charades

Objective: To activate prior knowledge about expressing emotions and to get students thinking about different ways we communicate.

Instructions:

1. Teacher explains that communication isn't just about words, but also about how our bodies and faces show what we're feeling.
2. Teacher mimes a simple emotion (e.g., happy, sad, angry, surprised) without making any sound.
3. Students guess the emotion. Encourage them to explain how they knew (e.g.,

Talk It Out! Script

Warm-Up: Feelings Charades (5 minutes)

"Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to learn about something super important: how we talk and listen to each other. It's called communication! Before we dive in, let's play a quick game. I'm going to act out a feeling, and you guess what it is. No talking, just acting! Pay close attention to my face and body. Ready?" (Mime 'happy', 'sad', 'angry', 'surprised'.)

"Great job! How did you know what I was feeling? What did you look at?" (Allow a few student responses, guiding them to mention facial expressions and body movements.)

"Exactly! Our faces and bodies can 'talk' even without words. That's a big part of communication, and we'll learn more about it today."

Introduction to Communication (5 minutes)

"Today, we're going to become communication superstars! We'll learn how to share our ideas and feelings so everyone understands, and how to really listen when others are talking. These skills will help you make great friends, work well in groups, and even help you when you need something from a grown-up."

"Look at our first slide!" (Display Slide Deck: Talk It Out! - Slide 1)

"What do you think 'communication' means? Turn and tell a partner what you think it is to communicate with someone." (Allow 30-60 seconds for partner talk, then call on a few students to share.)

"Wonderful ideas! Communication is simply how we share ideas, thoughts, and feelings with others. It's like a two-way street – someone sends a message, and someone receives it. We all do it every day!"

Three Big Parts of Communication (10 minutes)

"Communication has three really important parts. Let's look at them on the next slide." (Display Slide Deck: Talk It Out! - Slide 2)

"First, we have Talking Clearly. This means saying what you mean so your message is easy to understand. Second, we have Listening Actively. This is about really hearing and understanding what others are saying. And third, we have Body Language. This is what your body and face 'say' without using any words, just like in our charades game!"

"Let's watch a short video that shows us some good ways to communicate. Pay close attention to what the characters do!" (Display Slide Deck: Talk It Out! - Slide 3 and play video. Ensure the video is age-appropriate and pre-screened.)

"What did you notice in the video? What were some good ways the characters communicated?" (Facilitate a brief discussion.)

Part 1: Talking Clearly (5 minutes)

"Now let's talk more about 'Talking Clearly.'" (Display Slide Deck: Talk It Out! - Slide 4)

"When you talk, it's helpful to:"

• "Use a clear, calm voice. Not too loud, not too quiet, just right!"
• "Look at the person you are talking to. This shows them you are talking to them."
• "And here's a super trick: use 'I feel' statements. Instead of saying, 'You always take my toys!', you could say, 'I feel sad when my toys are taken without asking.' This helps others understand your feelings without making them feel blamed."

"Can anyone give me an example of an 'I feel' statement?" (Allow 1-2 student examples.)

Part 2: Listening Actively (10 minutes)

"Next up is 'Listening Actively.' This is just as important as talking!" (Display Slide Deck: Talk It Out! - Slide 5)

"When you're listening actively, it means you're really paying attention with your ears, your eyes, and your brain!"

• "Look at the speaker. Just like when you're talking, it helps to make eye contact."
• "Show you're listening. You can nod your head, or make a small sound like 'Mm-hmm.'"
• "Try not to interrupt. Wait until they are finished talking before you share your ideas."
• "If you don't understand something, it's okay to ask questions! This shows you want to learn more."

"We have a special friend who is a great listener! I'm going to read you a story about Reading: The Listening Elephant. Listen carefully to see how the elephant shows she is listening." (Read the story aloud, pausing to highlight the elephant's listening behaviors.)

"How did our friend the Listening Elephant show she was listening?" (Allow student responses.)

Part 3: Body Language (5 minutes)

"Finally, let's talk about Body Language again." (Display Slide Deck: Talk It Out! - Slide 6)

"Remember our charades game? Your face and body can 'talk' too!"

• "A smile usually means you're happy or friendly."
• "A frown might mean you're sad or angry."
• "If your arms are crossed tightly, it might show you're upset or not open to talking."
• "But if your arms are relaxed, it often means you're friendly and ready to listen."

"Let's try some! Show me your 'happy' face and body. Now, show me your 'confused' face. How about 'excited'?" (Practice a few emotions.)

"Great! We need to pay attention to our own body language and the body language of others."

Practice Time: Worksheet (10 minutes)

"You've learned so much about talking clearly, listening actively, and body language! Now, it's time to practice what you've learned with a worksheet." (Display Slide Deck: Talk It Out! - Slide 7)

"I'm handing out the Worksheet: Communication Practice. Please read the instructions carefully. You'll draw or write about different communication situations. Take your time and do your best!" (Distribute worksheets and circulate to assist students.)

Practice Time: Discussion or Game (8 minutes)

"Excellent work on the worksheet! Now, let's practice together!" (Display Slide Deck: Talk It Out! - Slide 8)

(Option A: Discussion) "We're going to have a class discussion using our Discussion Prompts: Sharing Our Voices. Remember our active listening rules: look at the speaker, don't interrupt, and raise your hand if you want to share. I will pass a soft toy, and only the person holding the toy may speak."

(Option B: Game) "Let's play Game: Communication Charades! It's like our warm-up, but with a twist. I'll give you a situation, and you'll act out how someone might communicate in that situation, using your body and face. Your teammates will guess what you're trying to 'say'."

(Facilitate chosen activity.)

Wrap-Up and Cool Down (7 minutes)

"Wow, you all did an amazing job today learning and practicing communication skills!" (Display Slide Deck: Talk It Out! - Slide 9)

"Remember, being a good communicator means talking clearly, listening actively, and understanding body language. These skills will help you in so many ways – in school, with your friends, and with your family."

"For our last activity, we're going to do a quick Cool Down: One Big Takeaway. On your exit ticket, I want you to write or draw one big thing you learned about communication today." (Distribute cool-down slips.)

"Thank you for being such great listeners and speakers today! You are all becoming communication superstars!"

The Listening Elephant

Ellie the elephant loved to listen. More than trumpeting, more than stomping, more than munching sweet jungle leaves, Ellie loved to listen.

Her best friend, Leo the lion, often had big adventures to share. Sometimes, Leo would tell exciting stories about chasing butterflies. Other times, he'd be a little sad because his sandcastle fell over. No matter what, Ellie was always there.

When Leo spoke, Ellie didn't interrupt. She turned her big ears towards him. Her eyes, gentle and kind, looked right at Leo's face. Sometimes, she would nod her head slowly, as if to say, "I hear you, Leo. Keep going."

One sunny morning, Leo came bounding up to Ellie, very excited. "Ellie! Ellie! You won't believe it! I found the biggest, brightest, most sparkly rock in the whole jungle!" Leo roared, almost tripping over his own paws.

Ellie smiled. She didn't say, "Oh, I found a sparkly rock yesterday." She didn't say, "That's nice." Instead, she looked at Leo and asked, "Wow, a sparkly rock! Where did you find it? What did it look like?"

Leo's tail wagged even faster. He felt so happy that Ellie wanted to hear all about his discovery. He described the rock, the cool cave he found it in, and how it glittered like a thousand stars. Ellie listened to every word, making Leo feel important and heard.

Later that day, Mona the monkey was very quiet. She sat on a branch, her shoulders slumped. Ellie walked over slowly. "Mona, you seem a little sad today. Is everything okay?" Ellie asked gently.

Mona sighed. "My banana got snatched by a speedy squirrel!" she whispered.

Ellie didn't laugh or tell Mona to get another banana. She just sat down, looking at Mona with her kind eyes. "Oh, no," Ellie said softly. "That sounds really frustrating. You were probably looking forward to eating it."

Mona felt a little better just by Ellie understanding her feelings. Ellie's quiet presence and thoughtful words showed Mona that she cared. Mona knew she could always talk to Ellie, because Ellie the elephant truly knew how to listen.

Ellie knew that listening wasn't just about hearing sounds. It was about paying attention with your eyes, your ears, and your heart, to make others feel important and understood. And that, Ellie thought, was one of the most wonderful things in the world.

Communication Practice Worksheet

Name: ________________________

Instructions: Read each situation. Draw or write how you would communicate using your best talking, listening, or body language skills!

1. Talking Clearly

You want to play with a friend's toy, but they are playing with it right now. How can you ask them clearly and kindly?

Draw or write what you would say and do:

2. Listening Actively

Your friend is telling you about their favorite pet. What does it look like when you are listening carefully?

Draw or write what you would do:

3. Body Language

You are feeling happy because it's your birthday! How would your face and body show you are happy?

Draw your happy face and body:

4. Problem Solving

You and a friend both want the same crayon. How can you use good communication to solve this problem?

Draw or write what you would say and do:

Sharing Our Voices: Communication Discussion Prompts

Objective: To provide an opportunity for students to practice talking clearly and listening actively in a guided group discussion.

Instructions for Teacher:

• Remind students of active listening rules (make eye contact, don't interrupt, nod to show understanding).
• Use a 'talking stick' or soft toy: only the student holding the object may speak.
• Encourage students to use 'I feel' statements when sharing personal experiences.
• Facilitate with open-ended questions and ensure all students have a chance to participate.

Discussion Prompts:

1. "Think about a time someone listened really well to you. How did it make you feel?"
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. "When is it hard to listen? What makes it difficult, and what helps you listen better?"
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. "If you want to tell a friend something important, what are three things you should do to make sure they understand you?"
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. "Imagine someone looks sad. What might their body language be telling you? What could you say or do to help them?"
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. "Why is it important to talk clearly and listen carefully when you are working on a school project with friends?"
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Communication Charades

Objective: To practice recognizing and demonstrating different forms of communication (verbal and non-verbal) in a fun, interactive way.

Materials: Slips of paper with communication scenarios, a hat or bag to draw from.

Instructions for Teacher:

1. Divide the class into small teams (3-4 students per team).
2. Explain that students will take turns drawing a card with a scenario. They will act out how someone might communicate in that situation, focusing on clear speech (if verbal communication is appropriate for the scenario, they can whisper or mouth words), body language, and facial expressions.
3. Their team members will try to guess what they are communicating or the situation being acted out.
4. Set a time limit for each turn (e.g., 1 minute).
5. Award points for correct guesses if desired.

Communication Charades Scenarios:

• Asking for help: (Act out looking confused, shrugging, then pointing to a problem and looking at an adult with questioning eyes.)
• Saying sorry: (Act out looking sad, giving a hug, or extending a hand.)
• Thanking someone: (Act out smiling, nodding, and pretending to shake a hand.)
• Asking to join a game: (Act out watching a game, looking hopeful, then making a 'come here' gesture.)
• Sharing a toy: (Act out offering a toy, smiling, and gesturing for someone to take it.)
• Feeling excited: (Act out jumping up and down, big smile, clapping hands.)
• Feeling frustrated: (Act out crossed arms, stomping foot lightly, frowning.)
• Active listening: (Act out looking at a speaker, nodding, putting a finger to lips to show quiet.)
• Asking a question: (Act out raising a hand, looking thoughtful, then looking at an adult.)
• Comforting a friend: (Act out putting an arm around someone, gentle smile.)
• Introducing yourself: (Act out smiling, extending a hand for a handshake, mouthing 'Hi, I'm...')

Communication Assessments Answer Key

Quiz: How Well Do You Talk and Listen?

1. Which of these helps you talk clearly?

   • Correct Answer: c) Looking at the person you are talking to
   • Reasoning: Making eye contact shows you are engaged and helps the listener feel addressed.

2. What does active listening mean?

   • Correct Answer: c) Hearing and understanding what someone says
   • Reasoning: Active listening goes beyond just hearing; it involves processing and trying to comprehend the speaker's message.

3. When you are happy, what might your body language look like? (Give two examples)

   • Possible Answers: Smiling, jumping, open arms, relaxed posture, clapping hands, skipping.
   • Reasoning: Happy emotions are often conveyed through positive and open physical expressions.

4. Why is it good to use 'I feel' statements (like 'I feel sad when...')?

   • Correct Answer: b) It helps others understand your feelings.
   • Reasoning: 'I feel' statements express personal emotions without blaming, making communication clearer and less confrontational.

5. Name one thing you can do to show someone you are listening to them.

   • Possible Answers: Make eye contact, nod your head, don't interrupt, ask a question, stay quiet and pay attention.
   • Reasoning: These actions demonstrate engagement and respect for the speaker.

Test: Communication Master

1. Communication is about:

   • Correct Answer: b) Sharing ideas and feelings with others
   • Reasoning: Communication is the process of conveying information, thoughts, or feelings between individuals.

2. Write down two ways you can show you are talking clearly.

   • Possible Answers: Use a calm voice, look at the person, use 'I feel' statements, speak slowly and clearly, use simple words.
   • Reasoning: These techniques help ensure the message is easily received and understood by the listener.

3. When your friend is talking, what should you NOT do if you are actively listening?

   • Correct Answer: b) Interrupt them to tell your own story
   • Reasoning: Interrupting shows disrespect and prevents the listener from fully understanding the speaker's message.

4. If you are feeling angry, what might your body language look like?

   • Possible Answers: Frowning, crossed arms, stomping feet, tight fists, looking down, tense shoulders.
   • Reasoning: Anger is often expressed through tense and closed-off body language.

5. What is a good way to tell someone you are sad because they broke your drawing?

   • Correct Answer: b) "I feel sad because my drawing is broken."
   • Reasoning: This is an 'I feel' statement, which clearly expresses personal emotion without blaming, leading to more constructive communication.

6. Why is good communication important when you play with friends?

   • Possible Answers: Helps you understand each other, makes playing more fun, helps you solve problems, prevents arguments, makes friends feel happy and heard.
   • Reasoning: Effective communication is crucial for cooperation, conflict resolution, and building positive social relationships during play.

My Communication Story Project Guide

Objective: To demonstrate understanding of communication skills by creating a story that shows good talking, listening, and body language.

Time Allotment: 1-2 sessions (45-60 minutes each) or as homework.

Deliverables:

• A short story (written or drawn as a comic strip) about two characters communicating.
• The story must show at least one example of talking clearly, one example of active listening, and one example of positive body language.
• A brief explanation (1-2 sentences) of what makes the communication good in their story.

Instructions:

1. Brainstorm Characters: Think of two characters for your story. They can be animals, people, or even imaginary creatures! What are their names?
   
   
   
   

2. Choose a Situation: What will your characters talk about? Maybe one wants to play a game, or one is feeling sad, or they need to share something. What is the main idea they need to communicate?
   
   
   
   

3. Plan Your Story:

   • How will one character talk clearly? What words will they use? (e.g., an 'I feel' statement)
   • How will the other character listen actively? What will they do with their eyes and ears? (e.g., look at the speaker, nod)
   • How will both characters use positive body language to show they are friendly and understand each other? (e.g., smiling, open arms)

4. Create Your Story:

   • Option A: Write a Story: Write a short story (3-5 sentences per event) that shows your characters communicating well. You can include dialogue (what they say).
   • Option B: Draw a Comic Strip: Draw 3-4 pictures in a row that show your story. Use speech bubbles for what characters say and thought bubbles for what they think. Make sure their faces and bodies show how they are communicating.

5. Explain Your Communication: At the end of your story or comic, write 1-2 sentences explaining how your characters used good communication skills.

Example Idea:

• Character 1: A rabbit named Rosie wants to play with a bear named Ben, but Ben is busy building a tower.
• Rosie (Talking Clearly): "Ben, I feel a little lonely playing by myself. Can I play with you when you're done with your tower?"
• Ben (Active Listening/Body Language): Ben stops building, looks at Rosie, and nods. "Sure, Rosie. I'll be done in 5 minutes!"
• Explanation: Rosie used an 'I feel' statement to talk clearly. Ben listened actively by stopping and looking at Rosie, and his positive body language (nodding) showed he understood.

My Communication Story Rubric

One Big Takeaway

Name: ________________________

Instructions: What is one important thing you learned about communication today? Draw a picture or write a sentence about it.