Understanding and Following Directions in Group Discussions
Understanding and Following Directions in Group Discussions Objective: Students will be able to follow agreed-upon rules for discussions and build on others’ talk to express their own ideas clearly in a small group setting.
Learning Objectives
- Identify and follow basic rules of group discussions.
- Listen carefully to others and respond appropriately.
- Express ideas clearly and add information to what others say.
Materials Needed
- Short story or age-appropriate article (printed or digital)
- Paper and pencil for each student
- Checklist of discussion rules (e.g., listen carefully, speak one at a time)
Key Vocabulary
- Discussion
- A conversation where people talk about ideas and share their thoughts.
- Agree
- To have the same opinion or accept the same rules.
- Take turns
- To speak one after another without interrupting.
Detailed Activities
Group Discussion Practice
- Read a short story or article aloud as a family or small group.
- Review the checklist of discussion rules together and explain each rule clearly.
- Have the student share their thoughts about the story, encouraging them to listen and respond to others’ ideas.
- Model building on others’ comments by adding your own thoughts during the discussion.
- Encourage the student to practice taking turns speaking and using polite language.
Parent & Instructor Notes
- This lesson helps your child improve listening and speaking skills that are important for school and everyday conversations.
- Encourage patience and praise your child when they wait their turn or add to someone else’s idea.
- Keep the discussion short and simple to maintain your child’s interest and focus.
Assessment Questions
- Can you tell me one rule we follow when we are talking in a group?
- What did someone else say during our discussion that you can add to?
- How do you know when it is your turn to talk?
Extension Ideas
- Practice group discussions with family members on different topics like favorite books or animals.
- Create a ‘discussion jar’ with questions or topics to choose from for regular practice.
- Record a discussion and play it back to review how well the rules were followed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gently remind your child about the importance of waiting their turn and practice using polite phrases like ‘May I add something?’
Model good listening by making eye contact and repeating what others say, and praise your child when they do the same.
Teacher’s Guide
Common Misconceptions:
- Children may think they should speak as much as possible rather than listening.
- They might believe interrupting is a way to show excitement or agreement.
Scaffolding Ideas:
For Struggling Students:
- Use visual cues like a ‘talking stick’ to signal whose turn it is to speak.
- Keep discussion groups very small (2-3 people) to reduce pressure.
For Advanced Students:
- Encourage adding questions to others’ comments to deepen the conversation.
- Have them summarize the group’s ideas at the end of the discussion.
Pacing Recommendations:
- Spend about 10 minutes reviewing rules and vocabulary.
- Allow 20-25 minutes for the discussion activity, keeping it interactive and engaging.
- Use the remaining time for review and assessment questions.
Standards
- 7.SL.4 — Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions and build on others’ talk to express ideas clearly.
Printable Worksheet
Plan Your Own Lesson
Looking for a custom lesson plan? Try our Lesson Planning Generator — create standards-based plans for any topic, instantly!
Common Core Aligned Lesson Plans
Looking for another common core lesson? See all of the lesson plans here.
More Free Lesson Plans
We’re adding more every week! Check back soon or explore all our lesson plans here.
Leave a Reply