Introduction
As educators, we strive to teach our high school students essential social skills that will help them navigate their personal and professional lives. One critical skill is the ability to effectively communicate and engage in conversations, ensuring that both parties feel valued and heard. While making eye contact is often considered the most common way to show attentiveness, it can sometimes be uncomfortable or difficult for some students. In such cases, visual referencing can be a helpful alternative. This technique involves using our eyes to gather information from the speaker and our surroundings, allowing us to remain engaged without feeling discomfort. In this blog post, we will explore a no-prep activity to help students practice visual referencing, discuss related questions, and provide resources for further learning.
No-Prep Activity: The Visual Referencing Game
This activity is designed to help students practice visual referencing in a fun, interactive way without requiring any preparation or materials from the educator. To begin, have students pair up and stand facing each other. One student will be the speaker, while the other will be the listener. The listener must practice visual referencing by looking at different points around the speaker, such as their clothing, the wall behind them, or an object nearby. The speaker will share a short story or recount a recent experience while the listener practices visual referencing. After a few minutes, have the students switch roles. Once both students have had a chance to practice, bring the class together to discuss their experiences and any challenges they faced.
Discussion Questions
- How did it feel to practice visual referencing during the activity? Were you able to maintain your focus and attentiveness?
- What challenges did you face while trying to use visual referencing? How can you overcome these challenges in future conversations?
- Do you think visual referencing is an effective alternative to eye contact? Why or why not?
- Can you think of any other strategies to show attentiveness and engagement in conversations without making direct eye contact?
- How might using visual referencing benefit both the speaker and the listener in a conversation?
Related Skills
Visual referencing is just one of many social-emotional learning skills that can help students communicate effectively and build strong relationships. Other relevant skills for students to practice include:
- Active listening: Focusing on the speaker’s words, asking clarifying questions, and providing verbal and non-verbal feedback.
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, and responding with kindness and support.
- Non-verbal communication: Using body language, facial expressions, and gestures to convey meaning and emotions.
- Assertiveness: Expressing one’s thoughts and feelings confidently and respectfully, while also considering the needs and opinions of others.
Next Steps
Teaching high school students effective communication skills, such as visual referencing, can help them feel more comfortable and confident in their interactions with others. To access free sample materials and resources to support your students’ social-emotional learning journey, be sure to sign up for free samples at Every Day Speech. By incorporating these valuable skills into your curriculum, you can empower your students to navigate their personal and professional lives with ease and success.
