Communication Lesson Idea

The following lesson idea was created for 4^th grade students but would be easily adaptable to other grade levels.  The lesson introduces new vocabulary words through activities based on enhancing the students’ communication skills.

Rationale: 

The purpose of this lesson is for students to prove their understanding of new vocabulary words by applying the words in relevant and meaningful ways.  Students will be involved in collaborative speaking activities that will keep them engaged, interested, and motivated to learn.

Learning Outcome:

Students will be able to use six new vocabulary words correctly in context.  Students will be effectively communicate, discuss and collaborate with their peers to complete the learning activities.

Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.1
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1.B
Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions and carry out assigned roles.

Vocabulary Words:

carefree

frantic

plead

release

tragic

vast

Collaboration:

Students will work with their shoulder partner to complete a word map for each of the vocabulary words. They will write each word, what they think the definition is, the dictionary definition, a sentence using the word, and draw a picture. This activity will give students the understanding of what the words mean prior to beginning the main learning activity.  Students will have access to computers to look up the dictionary definitions on an online dictionary.

The students will then work in groups of 4 to create their own Reader’s Theater script.  They will write a short play incorporating all six vocabulary words.  Each student will need to have lines in the play and will need to contribute ideas in the group script.  Students will be working together and communicating with each other to come up with their script.  The groups will rehearse their lines with each other before the class presentation.  At the end of the lesson, all of the groups will take turns performing their scripts in front of the class.  Students will have the choice to perform their plays live in front of the class or to video themselves acting and then show the video in class. 

Audience:

The audience for this lesson is the teacher and the rest of the class.  The teacher will be monitoring student work during peer and group collaboration.  Students will present their dramatic plays to their classmates and teacher at the end of the lesson.

Learning Presentation:

The learning strategies used in this lesson are partner collaboration and Reader’s Theater.  Students will work with their partners to complete graphic organizers which will be a helpful visual aid for some students, including English Language Learners.  Students will then work with small groups to create their own Reader’s Theater script.  This will require students to speak and listen to each other in order to collaboratively come up with a short script to present to their classmates.  All of the speaking and listening opportunities will enhance the students’ communication skills.

Teaching Reflection:

This lesson will be a hands-on way for students to gain knowledge of new vocabulary words while practicing their speaking and listening skills.  The activities will give the students multiple opportunities to hear their vocabulary words used in different ways and the repetition will help solidify the meaning of the words.  Because the students will be involved in a speaking and doing activity, they are more likely to remember what they learned.  Students will be communicating throughout the lesson and will need to effectively speak and listen during discussions in order to complete the activity.  Reader’s Theater is an engaging and fun way for students to practice speaking, reading, and fluency and this lesson gives the students the opportunity to create their own scripts which will make the learning more meaningful to them.  I think this would be an effective lesson and it is one that I will implement in my classroom this year.