Improving Listening and Speaking Skills through Collaborative Discussions
Improving Listening and Speaking Skills through Collaborative Discussions Objective: Students will learn how to actively listen, ask relevant questions, and contribute to discussions by building on others’ ideas in a group setting.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the importance of listening carefully during conversations.
- Practice asking questions that help understand others’ ideas better.
- Learn to add your own ideas respectfully during group discussions.
Materials Needed
- Short story or article appropriate for 7-year-olds
- Paper and pencil for notes
- Timer or stopwatch
Key Vocabulary
- Active Listening
- Paying close attention to what someone is saying and showing that you understand.
- Question
- A sentence that asks for information or clarification.
- Discussion
- A conversation where ideas and opinions are shared about a topic.
Detailed Activities
Listening and Sharing Circle
- Read a short story or article aloud to your child.
- Ask your child to listen carefully without interrupting.
- After reading, ask your child to share what they understood.
- Encourage your child to ask one question about the story.
- Model asking a question and add your own thoughts on the story.
- Invite your child to add a new idea or opinion about the story.
- Repeat the process with you taking turns listening and speaking.
Question and Answer Practice
- Pick a familiar topic your child enjoys (e.g., favorite animals).
- Take turns asking open-ended questions related to the topic.
- Encourage your child to answer fully and then ask a follow-up question.
- Praise your child for listening carefully and responding thoughtfully.
Parent & Instructor Notes
- This lesson focuses on building your child’s listening and speaking skills which are important for school and everyday communication.
- Be patient and model respectful listening and speaking behavior during the activities.
- Encourage your child to express their ideas and questions without fear of making mistakes.
Assessment Questions
- Can you tell me what the story was about in your own words?
- What question would you like to ask about the story?
- How can you add your own idea when someone else is talking?
Extension Ideas
- Record a family discussion on a simple topic and play it back to talk about good listening behaviors.
- Create a ‘question jar’ with different topics and practice asking each other questions during daily routines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with short, simple questions and give your child time to think. Praise any effort they make and gradually encourage longer answers.
Keep activities short and engaging, remove distractions, and use stories or topics your child finds interesting.
Teacher’s Guide
Common Misconceptions:
- Children may think listening is passive and not realize the importance of active engagement.
- Some children may confuse asking questions with interrupting or being rude.
Scaffolding Ideas:
For Struggling Students:
- Use visual aids or pictures to support understanding during listening.
- Allow extra time for responses and encourage one-word or short answers to build confidence.
For Advanced Students:
- Encourage them to summarize what others said before adding their own ideas.
- Practice more complex questions that require reasoning or prediction.
Pacing Recommendations:
- Spend about 15-20 minutes on the listening and sharing circle to allow for multiple turns.
- Use the remaining time for question and answer practice to reinforce skills.
Standards
- 7.SL.6 — Speak audibly and express thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly.
Printable Worksheet
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