Clear Communication Skills

Overview

This lesson is the third in an eight-lesson unit titled "Fostering Positive Connections" focused on developing students' interpersonal and communication skills. This session is designed for Year 5 students to practice and demonstrate effective communication by using clear language to express thoughts, alongside active listening skills.

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WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Use clear communication to express our thoughts.
• Listen actively and respond thoughtfully in conversations.

Success Criteria

• Demonstrate effective listening by giving feedback and asking clarifying questions.
• Speak clearly, using body language and tone to express ideas.
• Participate confidently in paired discussions, taking turns and respecting others’ viewpoints.

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Curriculum Links

Health and Physical Education Learning Area (New Zealand Curriculum Refresh)

• Personal Health and Physical Development strand
  • Understanding and managing self (managing personal communication and emotions)
  • Relationships with other people (interpersonal communication skills)
• Achievement Objectives relevant to Year 5:
  • Use verbal and non-verbal communication skills to establish and maintain positive relationships (Communicating and interacting with others, Year 5) .
• Key Competencies
  • Relating to others: Listen actively, recognise different points of view, and express ideas clearly.
  • Using language, symbols, and texts: Use appropriate language and communication modes confidently.

English Learning Area (Te Mātaiaho English in the NZ Curriculum Years 0-6)

• Developing effective verbal reasoning and communication skills.
• Presenting ideas clearly with consideration of audience needs.
• Using sentence stems, non-verbal cues, and structured discussions to support effective communication【4:0-40†Te Mataiaho English Single Page.pdf】【6:34-39†Te Mataiaho English Single Page.pdf】.

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Lesson Duration

30 Minutes
Class Size: 20 students

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Resources

• Visual prompts/flashcards with sentence stems (e.g., "I think...", "Can you explain...", "I agree because…")
• Listening checklist handout (simple symbols or pictures for dyslexia-friendly reading)
• Timer for partner discussion rounds
• Whiteboard and markers
• Video clip demonstrating effective communication and body language (optional)

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Lesson Outline

Time	Activity	Description	Differentiation/Support
0-5 min	Introduction & WALT	Introduce the learning intention using clear language. Discuss why clear communication is important for positive connections. Brief explanation of success criteria.	Use visuals and concrete examples to support understanding. Provide sentence stems for expressing thoughts.
5-10 min	Modelled Example	Teacher models a short partner conversation, demonstrating active listening (eye contact, nodding), clear speech, and use of sentence stems.	Use voice modulation and expressive body language so all students, including those with learning difficulties, can follow.
10-20 min	Paired Structured Discussion	Students pair up and have a discussion on a given topic (e.g., favourite hobby or a recent event). Each partner practices speaking clearly and listening actively. Use timer for 3-minute speaking rounds. Partners use sentence stems and follow listening checklist. Teacher circulates giving feedback and support.	Pair more confident speakers with those who need more support. Provide visual sentence prompts and checklist cards for dyslexic students or ELL learners. Allow students to draw or jot notes if that helps expression.
20-25 min	Feedback Loop	Students provide feedback to their partner: "What did you like about how they listened?" and "What could help them communicate better?" Use sentence stems to frame feedback.	Model respectful and constructive feedback language. Support with prompts if needed.
25-30 min	Reflection & Summary	Class discussion to share what was learned about communication skills. Reinforce key points from success criteria. Teacher summarises importance of clear speaking and active listening in building positive relationships.	Incorporate a mind map on the board summarising communication skills to reinforce learning visually.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Use sentence stems and visual cues to support language production for learners needing extra help.
• Provide dyslexia-friendly handouts with minimal text, clear font, and icons.
• Allow students requiring alternative communication modes (sign language, symbols) to participate fully.
• Vary pairing by ability and communication confidence.
• Visual and auditory learners supported via video/modelled examples and discussion.

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Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Encourage advanced learners to role-play a scenario involving a disagreement, practicing respectful listening and clear argumentation.
• Have them prepare a short presentation about effective communication strategies to share with the class in a future lesson.
• Introduce subtle non-verbal communication cues (tone, volume change) and have them practice using these to add meaning.

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through teacher observation during paired discussions and feedback sessions.
• Checklist noting evidence of clear speech, active listening behaviours, and use of sentence stems.
• Student self-assessment using a simple smiley-face scale on their comfort with speaking and listening.

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Notes on Teaching Style and Considerations

• Use frequent modelling and think-aloud strategies to demonstrate clear communication behaviours.
• Maintain positive, inclusive classroom environment encouraging risk-taking and mistakes as part of learning.
• Be mindful and respectful of cultural differences in communication style, listening, and non-verbal behaviour.
• Provide explicit instructions and reminders on turn-taking and respecting opinions.
• Use a variety of teaching modalities to ensure accessibility for all learners.

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By integrating elements from the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh's Health and English strands, this 30-minute lesson rigorously supports Year 5 students in developing critical communication competencies through hands-on partner activities and reflective discussions, ensuring positive social connections thrive in the classroom and beyond.

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If you would like, I can provide detailed printable student handouts or a visual sentence stem chart to accompany this lesson.