Effective communication with friends is a critical skill for middle school students, particularly those who may struggle with social interactions. As Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), we have the unique opportunity to help students develop these skills in a supportive and engaging environment. Everyday Speech offers an interactive digital fill-in-the-blank activity designed to teach middle school students how to communicate effectively with their peers. This blog post will provide a detailed lesson plan and tips for using this Social Communication Activity for Middle Schoolers to enhance their communication skills.

Why Communication Skills Matter

Developing strong communication skills is essential for middle school students because:

• It Builds Relationships: Helps students form and maintain friendships.
• It Enhances Academic Success: Encourages effective participation in group work and class discussions.
• It Promotes Emotional Well-Being: Reduces feelings of isolation and boosts self-esteem.
• It Prepares for Future Success: Provides a foundation for effective communication in higher education and the workplace.

Introducing the Digital Fill-in-the-Blank Activity

The digital fill-in-the-blank activity from Everyday Speech is an excellent tool for teaching communication skills. This interactive activity engages students by requiring them to complete sentences in various social scenarios, helping them learn appropriate responses and conversation techniques. The visual and interactive nature of the activity makes learning both fun and effective.

Lesson Plan: Using the Fill-in-the-Blank Activity to Teach Communication

Objective

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify appropriate responses and engage in effective communication with their friends.

Materials Needed

• Access to Everyday Speech’s digital fill-in-the-blank activity
• Computers or tablets

Duration

20-30 minutes

Activity Steps

1. Introduction to Effective Communication (5 minutes)

Begin the lesson by discussing the importance of effective communication with friends. Explain how good communication helps build strong relationships and makes interactions more enjoyable. Use examples relevant to the students’ experiences, such as sharing a story, giving a compliment, or resolving a disagreement.

2. Introducing the Digital Fill-in-the-Blank Activity (5 minutes)

Introduce the digital fill-in-the-blank activity from Everyday Speech. Explain that they will be completing sentences in various social scenarios to practice how to respond appropriately. Show them how to use the activity on their computers or tablets and explain its purpose.

Example Scenarios:

• A friend shares exciting news.
• A friend needs help with a problem.
• A friend invites them to an activity.
• A disagreement with a friend.

3. Guided Practice with the Activity (10 minutes)

Have the students work individually or in pairs to complete the fill-in-the-blank activity. Walk around the classroom to provide support and guidance as needed. Encourage students to think about why certain responses are more appropriate than others.

4. Group Discussion and Reflection (10 minutes)

After completing the activity, gather the students for a group discussion. Ask questions like:

• Which scenarios did you find easy to respond to? Which were harder?
• Why is it important to think about how our words affect our friends?

Encourage students to share their thoughts and reflections. If using reflection journals, have them draw or write about a time when they communicated effectively with a friend.

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Conclusion

Teaching students about effective communication with friends is essential for their social and emotional development. Using Everyday Speech’s Social Communication Activity for Middle Schoolers, SLPs can create an engaging and practical learning experience that helps students develop and refine their skills. By following the provided lesson plan and incorporating the no-prep activity ideas, educators can support their students in becoming confident and effective communicators. For more resources and tips on teaching social-emotional learning, stay tuned to our blog.

Sample Video

Try out this sample animated video lesson.
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Related Blog Posts:

Navigating Middle School: Enhancing Social Skills Through Videos

Teaching Middle School Students to Stay Calm and Solve Problems

Promoting Mental Well-being: SEL Lessons for Middle School Students