Standard (Curriculum)

Instruction and Assessment

Standard 1. The student uses listening and observation skills to gain understanding.

1.1 Focuses attention

* Focuses attention for periods of time (appropriate to age) and understands why this is important

1.2 Listens and observes to gain and interpret information

* Recognizes nonverbal communication
* Observes carefully and understands visual information
* Listens for and paraphrases main ideas
* Follows simple oral directions

1.3 Checks for understanding by asking questions and paraphrasing

* Questions to check understanding
* Retells in sequence what has been seen or heard
* Relates own experience to what is being expressed

Instructional Strategies

1.1 - 1.3
* Active listening
* I have ___; who has ___?
* Idea books
* Key word
* KWL
* Student-generated questions
* Think-pair-share
* Read aloud
* Shared reading
* Sharing time
* Echo directions

Assessment

* Learning logs
* Observation
* Anecdotal records

Standard 2. The student communicates ideas clearly and effectively.

2.1 Communicates clearly to a range of audiences for different purposes

* Communicates to teachers, small group, and class (e.g., brief report)
* Realizes that there are different audiences (e.g., peers, teachers, parents)

2.2 Develops content and ideas

* Chooses content on one topic
* Selects material from personal knowledge
* Organizes information with a beginning, middle, and end

2.3 Uses effective delivery

* Uses appropriate volume
* Speaks with oral expression
* Makes some eye contact

2.4 Uses effective language and style

* Uses complete sentences
* Uses age-appropriate vocabulary
* Uses respectful language

2.5 Effectively uses action, sound, and/or images to support presentations

* Sometimes uses resources in presentations (e.g., objects, pictures)

Instructional Strategies

2.1 - 2.5
* I have ___; who has ___?
* Idea books
* Student-generated questions
* Think-pair-share
* Sharing time

Assessment

* Learning logs
* Observation
* Anecdotal records

Standard 3. The student uses communication strategies and skills to work effectively with others.

3.1 Uses language to interact effectively and responsibly with others

* Demonstrates basic conversation skills:  participating, taking turns, asking for assistance, using basic courtesies (e.g., please, thank you)
* Is aware that there are different purposes for speech (e.g., to warn, to inform)
* Uses nonverbal clues
* Uses respectful language

3.2 Works cooperatively as a member of a group

* Contributes in small groups
* Takes turns

3.3 Seeks agreement and solutions through discussion

* Listens to others' ideas
* Is aware that personal comments and actions have consequences
* Seeks a solution
* Accepts a solution

Instructional Strategies

3.1 - 3.3
* Cooperative learning
* Idea books
* Think-pair-share
* Role playing
* Class discussions

Assessment

* Learning logs
* Observation
* Anecdotal records

Standard 4. The student analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of formal and informal communication.

4.1 Assesses strengths and needs for improvement; assesses own and others' communication strengths and needs and sets goals for improvement

* Uses established criteria to evaluate and set goals to improve one's own and others' presentations (e.g., sequence, main idea)

4.2 Seeks and offers feedback; seeks and uses feedback to improve communication; offers suggestions and comments to others

* Offers constructive feedback on others' presentations

* Accepts and applies feedback on own presentations when appropriate

4.3 Analyzes mass communication

* Identifies various forms of mass communication (e.g., movies, radio, video games, billboards)

* Identifies reality/fantasy and main idea

* Discusses purpose for media (e.g., to persuade, to inform)

4.4 Analyzes how communication is used in career settings

* Identifies different ways people communicate in the workplace (e.g., advertisement, instructions)

Instructional Strategies

4.1 - 4.4
* Idea book
* Oral reports
* Discussion of environmental print and direction words

Assessment

* Learning logs
* Observation
* Anecdotal records
* Reflective journal