As October began, our focus shifted to enhancing communication skills, a vital aspect of personal and social development. Through interactive activities and engaging discussions, our students explored various forms of communication, from active listening to public speaking and beyond.
We kicked off our communication skills journey on September 30 with a lesson on active listening. The students learned the key components of active listening and participated in a quick game of telephone to put their skills to the test. This playful activity highlighted how easily messages can change when not listened to carefully.
Following this, we delved into non-verbal communication. To illustrate this concept, we ventured outside for a blindfolded partner challenge. In this activity, one partner was blindfolded while the other provided verbal guidance through an obstacle course. This exercise emphasized the importance of clear instructions and active listening to navigate without running into obstacles. To further practice non-verbal cues, we enjoyed a lively game of charades, where the students had to convey messages without speaking.
On October 2, we focused on public speaking. We began by watching a TED Talk featuring a young girl delivering her speech, which sparked a discussion about the key points of effective public speaking. The students learned that the three primary goals of a speech are to inform, persuade, and entertain. We also discussed techniques for managing nervousness when speaking in front of an audience.
Armed with this knowledge, each student prepared a short one-minute speech on a topic of their choice. They then had the opportunity to present their speeches, allowing them to practice their public speaking skills and build confidence.
On October 7, we explored the significance of interviews. The students learned that practicing interviews is essential for both the interviewer and the interviewee, as it helps develop active listening skills. They took turns interviewing each other, asking thoughtful questions, and then shared one interesting fact they learned about their partners. This activity fostered a sense of curiosity and connection among the students.
On October 9, we discussed the differences between persuasion and argumentation. The students practiced their persuasive skills by choosing something they love and convincing a partner to appreciate it too. This exercise helped them refine their persuasive techniques in a fun and engaging way.
To deepen their understanding, the students created mini skits around prompts like “Convince your parent to allow you to stay up late,” showcasing their ability to persuade through performance. The lesson concluded with a debate on the topic of homework, where one side argued for it while the other argued against it. This debate format allowed students to build their argumentation skills and articulate their points effectively.
The first half of October was filled with opportunities for our students to strengthen their communication skills. From active listening to public speaking and persuasive techniques, they engaged in activities that will serve them well in all aspects of life. We look forward to continuing this exploration of communication in the coming weeks!
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