Effective Communication Skills

Curriculum Area

Subject: PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education)
Key Stage: KS3 (Year 9)
Curriculum Link: This lesson aligns with the UK PSHE Association Programme of Study, specifically within the Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education framework. It supports students in understanding how to communicate effectively in relationships, resolve conflicts, and express themselves appropriately.

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Lesson Overview

Unit: Respectful Relationships Unpacked (Lesson 4 of 6)
Lesson Duration: 55 minutes
Class Size: 3 students

Lesson Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Understand the key components of effective communication.
2. Develop active listening and assertive communication techniques.
3. Practise expressing feelings constructively in different scenarios.

Key Skills Developed:

• Active listening
• Assertiveness
• Emotional expression
• Conflict resolution

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity (10 mins) – The Silent Expression Challenge

Objective: To introduce the concept of non-verbal communication.

1. Task: Each student receives a scenario card (e.g., "Excited to share good news," "Frustrated about homework," "Upset with a friend").
2. Without speaking, students must express their scenario using only facial expressions and body language.
3. Other students guess the emotion being conveyed.
4. Discussion (3 mins): How easy/challenging was it to understand emotions without words? What role does body language play in communication?

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2. Main Input (15 mins) – The Communication Triangle

Objective: To learn about three communication styles: Passive, Aggressive, and Assertive.

1. Teacher explanation: Display and define the three communication styles.
2. Examples: Ask students to suggest real-life examples where they have experienced or observed these styles (e.g., a teacher-student request, a disagreement with a sibling, etc.).
3. Mini-Activity: Each student receives a dialogue strip and must rewrite it in all three communication styles.

Communication Style	Example (Scenario: Asking a friend to return borrowed money)
Passive	"Oh, don’t worry about paying me back… it’s fine."
Aggressive	"You always take my money and never pay me back! Give it to me now!"
Assertive	"I lent you £5 last week. I need it back today, please."

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3. Paired Practice (10 mins) – Active Listening Role-Play

Objective: To develop active listening skills, including eye contact, summarising, and responding appropriately.

1. In pairs, one student talks for one minute about a light-hearted topic (e.g., a favourite TV show, a funny memory).
2. The listener must use active listening techniques (nodding, paraphrasing, clarifying).
3. Switch roles.
4. Class reflection: What made them feel heard? What behaviours helped or hindered communication?

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4. Scenario Role-Play (15 mins) – Communication in Action

Objective: To practise assertive communication in real-life situations.

1. Students receive pre-prepared scenarios (or create their own).
2. One student plays a challenging character (e.g., a friend who keeps interrupting, a peer pressuring them), while another practices assertive responses.
3. Rotate roles so all students experience both sides.
4. Teacher guidance on constructive feedback – focus on tone of voice, confidence, and respectful language.

Example Scenarios:

• A friend repeatedly cancels plans at the last minute.
• A classmate puts pressure on you to do something you’re uncomfortable with.
• A family member doesn’t listen when you try to express your opinion.

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5. Plenary (5 mins) – Two Stars and a Wish

Objective: To reflect on personal takeaways from the session.

Each student shares two things they have learnt about effective communication and one aspect they would like to improve.

Exit Question: If you had to give one piece of advice about communication to a younger student, what would it be?

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Differentiation and Inclusion

• Scaffolded Support: Model sentence starters for students who need help with assertive communication.
• Challenge Task: Students can reflect on a past miscommunication and rewrite how they could handle it differently.
• Personalisation: If students are comfortable, they can apply scenarios to real-life experiences.

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Assessment for Learning (AfL)

• Observation: Monitor students’ use of active listening and assertive communication during role-plays.
• Peer Feedback: Encourage students to give constructive feedback on responses and tone.
• Self-Reflection: Plenary activity to assess understanding of key concepts.

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Teacher Reflection

• What worked well?
• Were all students engaged?
• Which exercises had the most impact?
• What might I tweak for the next lesson?

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This detailed and interactive lesson plan provides a memorable, skill-building experience for students, while keeping lessons dynamic, age-appropriate, and discussion-driven. Enjoy facilitating meaningful conversations that will help shape positive and respectful relationships! 🚀