Engaging in Collaborative Conversations
Engaging in Collaborative Conversations Objective: Students will be able to participate in conversations by listening carefully, asking questions, and expressing their ideas clearly, following grade 6 speaking and listening standards.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the importance of listening carefully when others are speaking.
- Practice asking relevant questions to learn more during conversations.
- Express ideas clearly and respectfully in a group setting.
Materials Needed
- A short story or passage appropriate for 6-year-olds
- Paper and pencils
- Whiteboard and markers
Key Vocabulary
- Conversation
- A talk between two or more people where ideas and information are shared.
- Listen
- To pay attention carefully to sounds or someone speaking.
- Question
- A sentence asked to get information or to check understanding.
Detailed Activities
Read and Discuss
- Read a short story aloud to the student or have them read it aloud.
- Ask the student to listen carefully as you read or as they read.
- Discuss the story by asking open-ended questions about the characters and events.
- Encourage the student to ask their own questions about the story.
Role-Playing Conversations
- Explain that you will pretend to have a conversation about the story.
- Take turns speaking and listening, practicing asking questions and responding.
- Model how to wait for the other person to finish before speaking.
- Encourage the student to express their thoughts clearly and politely.
Drawing and Sharing Ideas
- Have the student draw a picture of their favorite part of the story.
- Ask the student to share their drawing and explain why they chose that part.
- Practice listening carefully and asking questions about their explanation.
Parent & Instructor Notes
- Encourage your child to speak in complete sentences and to listen without interrupting.
- Praise your child for asking questions and sharing their ideas during conversations.
- Keep conversations positive and supportive to build confidence.
Assessment Questions
- Can you tell me one thing you learned from the story?
- What question would you ask a character from the story?
- How do you show someone you are listening when they speak?
Extension Ideas
- Have your child practice conversations with a sibling or friend about daily events.
- Watch a short educational video together and discuss the main ideas.
- Create a simple ‘conversation jar’ with question prompts to practice asking and answering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with short, simple questions and give them time to think. Praise their efforts and model conversations to build their confidence gradually.
Use everyday opportunities like mealtime or storytime to practice conversations. Keep activities low-pressure and fun.
Teacher’s Guide
Common Misconceptions:
- Children might think conversations are only about talking, not listening.
- Some students may interrupt because they are eager to share their ideas.
- Children may struggle to ask relevant questions and need modeling.
Scaffolding Ideas:
For Struggling Students:
- Use picture cards to help them form questions and answers.
- Allow extra time for them to respond during conversations.
- Practice one-on-one conversations before joining group discussions.
For Advanced Students:
- Encourage them to lead a small group discussion on a favorite topic.
- Have them create their own questions related to the story or topic.
- Introduce simple debate activities to build persuasive speaking skills.
Pacing Recommendations:
- Spend extra time on modeling and practicing listening skills if needed.
- Break activities into shorter segments for better focus.
- Use frequent check-ins to ensure understanding and comfort.
Standards
- 6.SL.3 — Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
Printable Worksheet
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