Communication

Communication is key for setting clear expectations and managing a classroom, but it's also important to help students learn how to share, and express themselves in groups and with each other.

In my elementary school days, teachers focused on writing and public speaking, but 21st Century Skills require that students need more help than ever developing their ability to communicate and relate to one another, especially after the pandemic.

Sharing Opinions

Here's an example I observed during a lesson on opinion writing. The students were asked to form an inner circle and an outer circle and face someone they were most comfortable with. They were asked questions like "Should kids have more screen time?" and where instructed to take turns sharing their opinions.

The outside circle was then asked to step one foot to the right to face the next student. The students were noticeably surprised and a bit uncomfortable. After a few more rotations they started to settle in and gain confidence in speaking with other students.

One thing I noted is that some students didn't give others a chance to speak. I can see how this sort of exercise is a good technique to help students learn listening and speaking skills to improve overall communication.

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