The purpose of this lesson is for educators to improve their communication skills. Educators will reflect on communication happening at school, apply the E.A.R. strategy (empathy, assertiveness, respect), consider context for communication, practice having good conversations, explore resources to improve communication, and apply what they have learned to offer advice on various communication scenarios.
Communication is the foundation of any good relationship, including professional relationships. With thoughtful words, we can show empathy, speak respectfully when we disagree, and assertively stand up for ourselves.
When communicating, at work or elsewhere, it is important to consider your chosen communication method, emotions, cultural backgrounds, and location. Additionally, it is important to develop good verbal and nonverbal communication skills, practice active listening, and honor the power of words.
Learning how to communicate effectively will help educators be better members of their families, classes, teams, and communities.
Activity 1: (15 minutes) WHAT IS COMMUNICATION?
As a group, quickly brainstorm words that come to mind when educators hear the word “communication.” Blurt them out to the group.
Watch the video, “Kid President’s 20 Things We Should Say More Often” by Participant. Have educators fill out the Communication Reflection handout.
Have educators take a few minutes to answer the questions on the Communication Reflection handout. Have a few people share their answers to only question #1.
Activity 2: (30 minutes) E.A.R. JIGSAW
Share David Burn’s E.A.R. technique for effective communication with the class. Ask the class to define what each of the steps means: empathy, assertiveness, and respect. Have the class consider the following tips:
Sort the class into 3 groups to complete a jigsaw activity. Assign each group one of the steps of the E.A.R. technique. Pass out the corresponding article and display the focus questions for each group. Invite each group to read their article and take note of key points, including tips to help develop that skill.
After sufficient time, have educators get into groups of 3, with each step of the E.A.R. technique represented. Give each person time to share their answer along with any tips to develop their skill.
Extension: Invite educators to consider a situation where a miscommunication occurred. Have educators reflect on the situation and apply the E.A.R. strategy. They will write about how the scenario could have gone better. Feel free to display the journal prompts for ideas of what to write on the slides.
Activity 3: (15 minutes) CONTEXT FOR COMMUNICATION
Read the list of communication considerations on the slides. Have a discussion:
Explain that communication may look different depending on the scenario. However, overarching principles apply no matter what the situation is. Go through the scenarios on the slides and have a discussion:
Extension: Invite teachers to think of a recent communication example. Have them write down the context and what was communicated and HOW it was communicated. Evaluate if the method of communication was effective based on the context and message.
Activity 4: (20 minutes) SPEED TALKING
Explain that active listening involves giving whoever you are speaking to all of your attention and paying attention to your non-verbal communication. Have a discussion:
Watch the video, “10 Ways To Have A Better Conversation” by TED and have a discussion:
Review the “10 Conversation Rules to Follow” by Celeste Headlee. Divide into groups of 3. Go over the roles and guidelines for the activity and set groups to work.
If there is time, come back together as a group and have a discussion:
Activity 5: (20 minutes) HEALTHY COMMUNICATION
Explain that John Gottman is a psychologist known for his research on marriage relationships, although his principles for effective communication and conflict management are widely applicable. Read through the tips for managing conflict on the slides, thinking about how they relate to communication at work. Then, in small groups, have educators discuss how they would apply the tips to each of the examples. (Teacher Tip: Feel free to add to or amend the examples based on the needs of the group. You can also ask educators to provide the examples.)
Explain that Jefferson Fisher is a lawyer and author who uses his popular social media platform to share tips on how to communicate effectively in a variety of situations. Give educators time to use their devices to explore his page, looking for tips they can use to have more effective communication.
Youtube: @jeffersonfisher
Instagram: @jefferson_fisher
TikTok: @justaskjefferson
Activity 6: (15+ minutes) COMMUNICATION THINK TANK
Prior to this activity, invite educators to come prepared with a communication situation they have questions about or could use support handling. It could be a situation they are currently facing or something they have dealt with in the past that they feel could have gone better.
Invite educators to submit their communication situation, anonymously or not, through a Google form or by writing it down on a sticky note and collecting them. You can also just have educators share their situation by raising their hands. However the situations are presented, invite the group to consider the situation and offer their best advice for how to effectively communicate in the given situation.
Alternatively, share the list of scenarios on the slides and invite educators to offer their advice for each situation.
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