Standard

Instruction and Assessment

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

1.1 Focuses attention

* Pays attention while others are talking
* Identifies and exhibits appropriate audience behavior

1.2 Listens and observes to gain and interpret information

* Understands and uses nonverbal cues
* Observes carefully and interprets visual information
* Listens for, identifies, and explains purpose, main idea, sequence, fact and opinion
* Follows oral directions

1.3 Checks for understanding by asking questions and paraphrasing

* Questions to clarify content and meaning
* Paraphrases information
* Reacts with opinions to what is being expressed

Instructional Strategies

1.1 - 1.3
* Active Listening
* Fact-Opinion Chart
* Student-generated questions
* Think-pair-share
* Role Playing

Assessment

* Teacher Observation
* Rubrics
* Self-Evaluation
* 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., class reports)
* Uses language appropriate for situation
* Plans for different purposes of communication

2.2 Develops content and ideas

* Chooses content which relates to topic
* Selects materials from school, library, and community resources
* Organizes information in a logical sequence
* Supports ideas with significant details

2.3 Uses effective delivery

* Speaks at a volume and rate that enables others to follow
* Speaks with expression
* Makes eye contact
* Is aware of posture and body language

2.4 Uses effective language and style

* Uses grammatically correct language and complete sentences
* Uses age-appropriate vocabulary
* Uses respectful language
* Chooses interesting words and phrases

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

* Uses some media or resources in presentations (e.g., diagrams, graphs)

Instructional Strategies

2.1 - 2.5
* Character presentations from Storypath
* Jigsaw
* Coaching of techniques for oral interpretation and speech
* Plays
* Reader's Theater
* Poetry
* Multi-media presentations

Assessment

* Self-evaluation
* Video tapes
* Checklists

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, responding appropriately, making personal introductions, giving simple oral directions
* Determines that there are different purposes for speech (e.g., to chat, to warn)
* Uses nonverbal clues
* Uses respectful language

3.2 Works cooperatively as a member of a group

* Participates in group discussions (contributes, takes turns, uses respectful language and behavior)
* Encourages others

3.3 Seeks agreement and solutions through discussion

* Acknowledges various ideas and viewpoints
* Accepts responsibility for personal comments and actions
* Examines options and consequences
* Suggests solutions

Instructional Strategies

3.1 - 3.3
* Cooperative learning
* Role playing
* Class discussions
* Group projects
* Literature circles

Assessment

* Self-assessment during group work
* Checklists
* 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., supportive evidence, accuracy)

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., billboards, magazines, television, newspapers)
* Identifies messages in simple advertisements
* Identifies supportive evidence for accuracy, fact, and opinion
* Understands that all media is produced from a particular point of view

4.4 Analyzes how communication is used in career settings

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

Instructional Strategies

4.1 - 4.4
* Goal setting
* Student created rubrics for presentations
* Analysis of media
* Guest speakers

Assessment

* Rubrics
* Checklists
* Peer evaluations