As educators, we understand the importance of developing strong communication skills in our students, especially when it comes to participating in classroom discussions. In this blog post, we will explore an engaging no-prep activity, thought-provoking discussion questions, and related skills to help PreK students improve their communication skills during class.

Introduction

Effective communication is a crucial aspect of social-emotional learning. In a classroom setting, it is particularly important for students to understand and follow social rules when participating in discussions. Some key rules include waiting to be called on before answering, using an appropriate voice volume, and providing concise responses. By teaching these skills to our PreK students, we can create a more inclusive and respectful learning environment.

No-Prep Activity: The Listening and Speaking Game

This simple, no-prep activity helps students practice waiting to be called on, adjusting their voice volume, and giving concise answers. To play the game, follow these steps:

1. Have students sit in a circle.
2. Choose a topic or question for the students to answer.
3. Designate one student as the “speaker” and another as the “listener.”
4. The speaker must answer the question while following the social rules: waiting to be called on, using an appropriate voice volume, and giving a concise response.
5. The listener must provide feedback to the speaker on their performance, such as “You waited to be called on, but you spoke too quietly.”
6. Rotate the roles of speaker and listener around the circle, allowing each student to practice both roles.

Through this activity, students will gain valuable experience in adhering to the social rules of classroom communication, while also developing their listening and feedback skills.

Discussion Questions

Use these discussion questions to stimulate further conversations about effective communication in the classroom:

1. Why is it important to wait to be called on before answering a question in class?
2. How can speaking too loudly or too quietly affect our classmates and teacher during a discussion?
3. What strategies can we use to make sure our answers are concise and to the point?
4. How can practicing good communication skills help us in other areas of our lives?
5. What other social rules should we follow when participating in class discussions?

Related Skills

Alongside effective communication, there are several other skills that can enhance the learning experience for PreK students:

• Active listening: Encouraging students to actively listen to their peers and teachers can improve their understanding and empathy.
• Body language: Teaching students about appropriate body language can help them become more aware of nonverbal cues in communication.
• Collaboration: Fostering a collaborative learning environment can help students develop their teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Self-regulation: By learning to manage their emotions and impulses, students can become more focused and attentive in the classroom.

Next Steps

Now that you have some ideas for activities and discussions to enhance your PreK students’ classroom communication skills, why not explore more resources to support their social-emotional learning? Visit Everyday Speech for free sample materials covering a range of essential skills that can help your students thrive both in and out of the classroom.