Speak Easy, Listen Carefully

(Little, J. (2019). Listen to what they are telling you. Retrieved from https://jonathanlittlepoker.com/listen/)

How long can you go without talking to another individual to communicate your thoughts or feelings? It's frustrating when someone is unable to understand what you are trying to get across to them. If you were unable to express your ideas or opinions in an effective manner, it would be extremely hard to communicate! But it is also important to know how to listen and understand what others are saying as well. Oral communication is one of the most integral parts of everyday life. 

According to the Ontario Curriculum for grades 1-8, there are three overall expectations in which students should fulfill by the end of their schooling: 

1. listen in order to understand and respond appropriately in a variety of situations for a variety of purposes; 

2. use speaking skills and strategies appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes; 

3. reflect on and identify their strengths as listeners and speakers, areas for improvement, and the strategies they found most helpful in oral communication situations.

(Ontario Ministry of Education (2006). The Ontario Curriculum Grades 1-8 language (Revised). Toronto: Queen’s Printer.)

Podcasts

One fun and innovative way to introduce oral communication into your classroom is through podcasts! Podcasts are a great resource that are available at any time, anywhere. They are entertaining, educational and introduce students to new topics in quick bursts of information that can hold their attention. 

Check out this list of 28 Podcasts Suitable for Kids! complete with a short description of what each entails! 

(Made in a Pinch. (2019, ). The 28 best podcasts for kids that parents will love too. Retrieved from https://madeinapinch.com/best-podcasts-for-kids-that-parents-will-love/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=690691346_27513184_143004)

You could even have your students create their own podcasts using easy to use online voice recording websites such as Vocaroo. Have your students choose a topic they wish to learn more about, research that topic and then record a 2-3 minute podcast on the information they found!

(Vocaroo. (2019). Vocaroo. Retrieved from https://vocaroo.com/)

Active Listening

The Language Arts curriculum also emphasizes the importance of listening. Promoting active listening skills in the classroom will help prepare students to be successful in their future endeavors in life. Active listening involves stopping what you are doing, ignoring distractions and focusing on what is being said. This can be done by maintaining eye contact and facing the speaker. The listener should attempt to keep their hands and feet still while the individual is speaking to them. To show the speaker that they are listening, one can nod their head or ask questions. Although it is important to wait for the speaker to stop before speaking. Once the speaker has shared their thoughts, there are 3 options the listener can take part in. First, the listener can repeat back what was heard to better clarify their understanding. If they do not understand, the listener should tell the speaker and ask for clarification on the misunderstood information. The listener may also ask questions to better understand the content as well. 

Here is a fun chart you can hang up in your classroom to remind your students what being an ACTIVE LISTENER looks like!

(Joann Fabric and Craft Store. (2019). Active listening bulletin board set. Retrieved from https://www.joann.com/active-listening-bulletin-board-set/16791469.html?pp=1)

Using Debate in the Classroom

Hosting a debate can also be an interactive way to introduce the skills of speaking and listening to your classroom. Split your class into two separate teams. One team will be assigned one topic, the other team will be assigned an opposing topic. Give each group 5 minutes to generate as many arguments to defend their topic as possible. Have your students stand in two lines facing one another to present their arguments. The first student will present their argument. The next person in line on the opposing team will respond "yes (repeat what was said) but (insert counter argument)". This will continue down the line until each student has presented an argument. 

Try these fun topic ideas you can have your students debate!

     Chocolate Bars                Bear Paw Flavours                Animals

References
Joann Fabric and Craft Store. (2019). Active listening bulletin board set. Retrieved from https://www.joann.com/active-listening-bulletin-board-set/16791469.html?pp=1

Little, J. (2019). Listen to what they are telling you. Retrieved from https://jonathanlittlepoker.com/listen/

Made in a Pinch. (2019, ). The 28 best podcasts for kids that parents will love too. Retrieved from https://madeinapinch.com/best-podcasts-for-kids-that-parents-will-love/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=690691346_27513184_143004

Momvstheboys. (2014). Bear paws & wagon wheels – made with wowbutter!. Retrieved from https://momvstheboys.com/2014/09/dare-wowbutter/
Ontario Ministry of Education (2006). The Ontario Curriculum Grades 1-8 language (Revised). Toronto: Queen’s Printer.
Reveron, S. (2011). Imágenes para baby shower. Retrieved from https://www.vix.com/es/imj/familia/2011-05-15/15907/imagenes-para-baby-shower
Toronto Mike. (2007, ). Ranking the nestle treats. Retrieved from https://www.torontomike.com/2007/11/ranking_the_nestle_treats.html
Vocaroo. (2019). Vocaroo. Retrieved from https://vocaroo.com/