Communication Skills

Lesson Plan Overview

Year Level: Year 11
Subject: Other (Foundation Skills: Communication)
Lesson Duration: 80 Minutes
Class Size: 24 Students
Specific Curriculum Area: New Zealand Curriculum – Key Competencies (Thinking, Using Language, Symbols, and Texts, Relating to Others)

Objectives

• Develop students' understanding of verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Enhance students' ability to work collaboratively.
• Engage students in creative and critical thinking activities.

Resources Needed

• Activity Workbook (one per student pair)
• Pens/Pencils
• Whiteboard and Markers
• Printed Materials for Activities

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 Minutes)

1. Greetings and Attendance: Welcome the students and take attendance.
2. Lesson Introduction: Briefly explain the importance of communication skills in daily life and outline the lesson's activities.
3. Pair Work Assignment: Organize the students into pairs (12 pairs total).

Activity Workbook Introduction (5 Minutes)

1. Distribute Workbooks: Hand out activity workbooks to each pair.
2. Explain Workbook Structure: Explain that the workbook contains activities related to verbal and non-verbal communication, which they will work on together.

Activity 1: Verbal Communication (20 Minutes)

Task: Role-Playing Scenarios

1. Instructions: Each pair should select one scenario from the workbook.
2. Activity: Students will role-play the given scenario, focusing on effective verbal communication. Some scenarios may include:
   • Ordering food at a restaurant
   • Asking for directions
   • Resolving a conflict between friends
3. Reflection: After each role-play, pairs will discuss what went well and what could be improved, writing their thoughts in the workbook.

Activity 2: Non-Verbal Communication (20 Minutes)

Task: Charades with Emotions

1. Instructions: Each pair will draw a card from the workbook that describes an emotion (e.g., happiness, sadness, anger, confusion).
2. Activity: One student will act out the emotion using only non-verbal cues (facial expressions, gestures, etc.), while the other guesses the emotion.
3. Reflection: Pairs will discuss the effectiveness of the non-verbal cues used and whether the emotion was correctly interpreted, writing their reflections in the workbook.

Activity 3: Creative Expression (20 Minutes)

Task: Draw and Explain

1. Instructions: Each pair will choose a topic from the workbook and create a drawing that represents their interpretation of effective communication.
2. Activity: Pairs will work together to create their drawing and then write a brief explanation of their work in the workbook.
3. Gallery Walk: Once completed, pairs will display their drawings around the classroom for a gallery walk. Students can walk around, observe, and discuss each other's work.

Conclusion and Reflection (5 Minutes)

1. Class Discussion: Bring the class together to discuss what they learned about verbal and non-verbal communication. Ask pairs to share their reflections and takeaways from the activities.
2. Summary: Summarize the key points discussed during the lesson and emphasize the importance of both verbal and non-verbal communication skills in various aspects of life.

Homework (If Applicable)

• Reflective Journal: Ask students to write a one-page journal entry on how they can apply the communication skills they learned in their daily lives.

Wrap-Up

1. Thank the Students: Express appreciation for their participation and effort.
2. Reminders: Remind students to complete any assigned homework and prepare for the next lesson.

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NB: Teachers may adjust the timing and activities based on the students' pace and engagement.