Standards Addressed

Standards Addressed
(Standards from Mid-continent Research for Education & Learning)

Language Arts: Uses listening and speaking strategies for different purposes

Grades K - 2:

Makes contributions in class and group discussions (e.g., reports on ideas and personal knowledge about a topic, connects ideas and experiences with those of others)
Asks and responds to questions
Follows rules of conversation and group discussion (e.g., takes turns, raises hand to speak, stays on topic, focuses attention on speaker)
Uses different voice level, phrasing, and intonation for different situations (e.g., small group settings, informal discussions, reports to the class)
Uses level-appropriate vocabulary in speech (e.g., number words; words that describe people, places, things, events, location, actions; synonyms, antonyms; homonyms, word analogies, common figures of speech)
Gives and responds to oral directions

Grades 3 - 5:

Contributes to group discussions
Responds to questions and comments (e.g., gives reasons in support of opinions, responds to others' ideas)
Listens to classmates and adults (e.g., does not interrupt, faces the speaker, asks questions, summarizes or paraphrases to confirm understanding, gives feedback, eliminates barriers to effective listening)
Uses strategies to convey a clear main point when speaking (e.g., expresses ideas in a logical manner, uses specific vocabulary to establish tone and present information)
Uses level-appropriate vocabulary in speech (e.g., familiar idioms, similes, word play)
Uses a variety of nonverbal communication skills (e.g., eye contact, gestures, facial expressions, posture)
Uses a variety of verbal communication skills (e.g., projection, tone, volume, rate, articulation, pace, phrasing)

Grades 6 - 8:

Plays a variety of roles in group discussions (e.g., active listener, discussion leader, facilitator)
Asks questions to seek elaboration and clarification of ideas
Uses strategies to enhance listening comprehension (e.g., takes notes; organizes, summarizes, and paraphrases spoken ideas and details)
Uses level-appropriate vocabulary in speech (e.g., metaphorical language, specialized language, sensory details)

Life Skills: Working with Others (Grades K-8)

Contributes to the overall effort of a group

Knows behaviors and skills that contribute to team effectiveness
Works cooperatively within a group
Demonstrates respect for others’ rights, feelings, and points of view in a group
Helps the group establish goals, taking personal responsibility for accomplishing such
Actively listens to the ideas of others and asks clarifying questions

Displays effective interpersonal communication skills

Knows strategies to effectively communicate in a variety of settings (e.g., selects appropriate strategy for audience and situation)
Provides feedback in a constructive manner, and recognizes the importance of seeking and receiving constructive feedback in non-defensive manner
Acknowledges the strengths and achievements of others