Communication - A Skill to Talk About

Today's Goal: Work collaboratively to develop good communication skills and strategies.

What makes someone a good communicator? Communication is one of the most important parts of studying Language Arts. Today we're going to read a little bit about what makes a good listener, and then work together with our peers to discuss what makes a good communicator.

The Plan:

1. Read
2. Newsela Article About Communication
3. World Cafe: Communication
4. Share-Out Ideas
5. Google Classroom Discussion Question

Reminders/Homework:

• Read! (and track your reading)
• Respond to the Google Classroom Discussion Question

World Cafe: Communication

You know how in fancy movies about far off distant lands there are always fancy people sitting around on sidewalk cafes talking about fancy philosophical questions like the meaning of life? You're going to do that today. Only, instead of theorizing about the meaning of life, you're going to talk about what makes a good communicator. Here are the questions I want you to consider:

• How can we encourage all students to participate in class discussions?
• In your own words, how would you define Active Listening? What are some examples?
• What is the difference between Group Work and Teamwork?
• List specific examples of how to be a good listener. Why is it important?
• You disagree with something a friend said. What are some effective ways to respond?
• Someone disagrees with you and they have vocalized it to you or to the group. Now what?
• How can good communication skills help you outside of the classroom?
• Your team is not working well together. How can you communicate effectively to help the situation?
• How can you show that you value the opinion of someone that disagrees with you?

Google Classroom Discussion

Now that you've discussed, it's time to put your thoughts into writing. Log into Google Classroom and click on the question posted under "Unit 3." Write a thoughtful response in a few sentences.