Listening and Speaking: Participating in Conversations
Listening and Speaking: Participating in Conversations Objective: Students will be able to participate in collaborative conversations with peers and adults in small and larger groups by following agreed-upon rules for discussions and expressing ideas clearly.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the importance of listening when others speak.
- Take turns speaking during a group conversation.
- Ask and answer questions about a story or topic discussed.
Materials Needed
- Picture storybook appropriate for 2nd grade
- Chart paper or whiteboard
- Markers
- Paper and pencils for drawing or writing
Key Vocabulary
- Conversation
- A talk between two or more people where ideas and feelings are shared.
- Listening
- Paying close attention to what someone is saying.
- Speak Clearly
- Using words so others can understand what you mean.
Detailed Activities
Story Listening and Group Discussion
- Begin by reading a short picture storybook aloud to your child.
- After reading, ask your child to share their favorite part or a character they liked.
- Model how to take turns by sharing your own thoughts and then inviting your child to speak.
- Encourage your child to ask questions about the story or share what they think might happen next.
- Write down or draw key ideas from the conversation on chart paper or whiteboard.
- Practice saying simple sentences clearly, such as ‘I liked the part when…’.
Parent & Instructor Notes
- This lesson focuses on developing listening and speaking skills, which are essential for effective communication.
- Encourage your child to listen carefully and wait for their turn to speak during conversations.
- Keep the conversation positive and supportive to build your child’s confidence.
Assessment Questions
- Can your child listen and wait patiently while you are speaking?
- Is your child able to share their thoughts about the story clearly?
- Can your child ask a question related to the story or topic?
Extension Ideas
- Have your child retell the story in their own words to a family member or friend.
- Create a small puppet show using characters from the story to practice speaking and listening.
- Encourage your child to participate in a family discussion about their day using the agreed-upon conversation rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Give your child time and encouragement; start with simple answers and praise their efforts. You can also role-play conversations to make speaking feel more comfortable.
Model good listening by paying attention when your child speaks, and gently remind them to look at the speaker and stay focused during conversations.
Teacher’s Guide
Common Misconceptions:
- Children may believe that interrupting is a way to show interest, so they need guidance on taking turns.
- Some children might think listening means staying silent rather than actively understanding the speaker.
Scaffolding Ideas:
For Struggling Students:
- Use shorter stories or familiar topics to build confidence.
- Incorporate gestures and pictures to support understanding.
- Allow extra time for your child to respond.
For Advanced Students:
- Encourage your child to ask more complex questions about the story.
- Invite them to summarize the conversation or connect the story to their own experiences.
- Practice conversations with multiple participants to build skills in larger group settings.
Pacing Recommendations:
- Spend about 15 minutes reading and discussing the story.
- Use 10 minutes for turn-taking and practicing speaking clearly.
- Reserve 10 minutes for asking and answering questions.
- Leave 10 minutes for review, drawing, or extending the conversation.
Standards
- 2.SL.1a — Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 2 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
Printable Worksheet
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