Communication is a vital skill that students need to develop at an early age. One aspect of effective communication is understanding when to use direct language and when to use indirect language. This blog post will introduce an interactive game called Two Sides, designed to help elementary students learn the difference between direct and indirect language, and when to use each type in various social situations. The activity will be followed by discussion questions and related skills to help educators further enhance their students’ communication abilities.
No-Prep Activity: Two Sides Game
In this simple, no-prep activity, students will be presented with a scenario where they need to decide whether to use direct or indirect language. The educator will read the scenario aloud, and the students will take turns suggesting how to respond using either direct or indirect language.
Scenario: In this scene, Sam and Alex are talking about a school project when Jamie has something to say. Let’s see if Jamie uses direct or indirect language.
Sam: Do you know what the Science project was about?
Alex: I’m pretty sure it’s about the solar system.
Jamie: Are you sure? I thought we were studying the water cycle. I could be wrong.
Alex: Oh, maybe. I might have gotten the topics confused.
Jamie: Yeah. I’m pretty sure it’s the water cycle. I’ll ask though.
Alex: Oh, no, you’re probably right.
Sam: Thanks!
Did Jamie directly or indirectly correct Alex? Jamie indirectly corrected Alex.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think Jamie chose to use indirect language to correct Alex? How did it affect the conversation?
- Can you think of a situation where using direct language might be more appropriate? Why?
- How can understanding when to use direct and indirect language improve our communication with others?
- What are some potential consequences of using the wrong type of language in a conversation?
- How can we practice recognizing when to use direct or indirect language in our daily interactions?
Related Skills
Besides understanding direct and indirect language, there are other communication skills that can help students interact effectively with others:
- Active Listening: Paying full attention to the speaker, asking clarifying questions, and providing verbal and non-verbal feedback.
- Empathy: Putting oneself in another person’s shoes and understanding their feelings and perspectives.
- Assertiveness: Expressing one’s thoughts, feelings, and beliefs in an open, honest, and respectful manner.
- Conflict Resolution: Identifying and addressing disagreements in a constructive way to find a mutually acceptable solution.
Next Steps
Teaching students the difference between direct and indirect language is just one part of helping them develop effective communication skills. To access more engaging activities and resources for teaching social-emotional skills, sign up for free samples at Everyday Speech. By incorporating these valuable resources into your curriculum, you’ll be setting your students up for success in their social interactions and beyond.
