Listen actively to interpret verbal and non-verbal messages, ask relevant questions, and make pertinent comments

Standards Alignment

• TEKS.ELA.5.01A primary
  listen actively to interpret verbal and non-verbal messages, ask relevant questions, and make pertinent comments;
• TEKS.ELA.5.01B primary
  follow, restate, and give oral instructions that include multiple action steps;

Lesson Overview

This Grade 5 English Language Arts and Reading lesson focuses on developing students' abilities to listen actively to interpret verbal and non-verbal messages, ask relevant questions, make pertinent comments, and follow, restate, and give oral instructions that include multiple action steps. The lesson is grounded in TEKS standards TEKS.ELA.5.01A and TEKS.ELA.5.01B and supports foundational oral language skills through direct teaching, guided practice, and reflection.

Learning Objectives

• Listen actively to interpret both verbal and non-verbal messages during conversations or presentations.
• Ask relevant questions that clarify or deepen understanding of the spoken message.
• Make pertinent comments that contribute meaningfully to discussions.
• Follow oral instructions that include multiple action steps accurately.
• Restate oral instructions in their own words to confirm understanding.
• Give oral instructions that include multiple action steps clearly and logically.

Success Criteria

• Students demonstrate active listening by identifying verbal and non-verbal cues in spoken messages.
• Students ask questions that are directly related to the topic or message heard.
• Students contribute comments that are relevant and add to the discussion.
• Students accurately follow multi-step oral instructions without prompting.
• Students can restate multi-step instructions clearly in their own words.
• Students can give clear oral instructions involving multiple steps to peers.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Students should have basic listening and speaking skills, including understanding simple oral instructions and participating in group discussions.

Key Vocabulary

• Active listening
• Verbal messages
• Non-verbal messages
• Relevant questions
• Pertinent comments
• Oral instructions
• Multiple action steps
• Restate

Materials and Resources

• Short mentor text or audio recording demonstrating active listening and multi-step instructions
• Whiteboard or chart paper
• Markers
• Notebooks or paper for student responses
• Timer or stopwatch

Teacher Preparation

• Prepare a short oral presentation or story that includes clear verbal and non-verbal messages.
• Develop a set of multi-step oral instructions for a simple classroom activity.
• Prepare guiding questions to prompt student discussion and reflection.
• Arrange seating to facilitate group discussion and partner work.

Detailed Lesson Notes

Understanding Active Listening

Active listening means fully concentrating on what is being said, understanding the message, and responding thoughtfully. It involves paying attention not only to the words (verbal messages) but also to body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures (non-verbal messages). For example, a speaker might say they are happy, but their crossed arms and frown could indicate they are upset. Teaching students to notice these cues helps them interpret the full meaning of communication.

Interpreting Verbal and Non-Verbal Messages

Verbal messages are the spoken words and sentences. Non-verbal messages include facial expressions, gestures, posture, and tone. Students should learn to observe these signs to better understand the speaker's feelings and intentions. For instance, if a classmate says 'I'm fine' but looks down and speaks quietly, the non-verbal cues suggest they might not be fine. Recognizing these helps students respond appropriately.

Asking Relevant Questions

Relevant questions are those that relate directly to the topic or message and help clarify or expand understanding. Students should practice asking questions that show they are paying attention and want to learn more. For example, after hearing instructions about a science experiment, a relevant question might be, 'What should I do if I spill the liquid?' rather than an unrelated question about lunch.

Making Pertinent Comments

Pertinent comments add value to the conversation by connecting to the topic or sharing related ideas. Students should avoid off-topic remarks and instead contribute comments that show understanding or build on others' ideas. For example, after a classmate explains a book's main idea, a pertinent comment might be, 'I noticed the main character changed because of the event you described.'

Following, Restating, and Giving Multi-Step Oral Instructions

Oral instructions often include multiple steps that must be followed in order. Students should listen carefully, remember the sequence, and be able to restate the instructions in their own words to confirm understanding. For example, if the teacher says, 'First, open your workbook to page 10, then complete questions 1 through 5, and finally, review your answers,' students should be able to repeat these steps and then follow them. Additionally, students should practice giving clear multi-step instructions to peers, using logical order and precise language.

Worked Examples

Classroom Activity

In pairs or small groups, discuss the messages they heard and saw. List examples of verbal and non-verbal messages and what they think those messages mean.

Guided Practice

Independent Practice

1. Foundational: What does it mean to listen actively?
2. Developing: Give one example of a non-verbal message you might notice when someone is upset.
3. Application: If your teacher says, 'Put away your books, line up at the door, and wait quietly,' how would you restate these instructions?
4. Analysis: Why is it important to ask relevant questions during a discussion?
5. Challenge: Describe how you would give a friend clear instructions to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich using multiple steps.

Independent Practice Teacher Answer Key

1. 1. Listening actively means paying full attention to both the words someone says and their body language or tone to understand the whole message.
2. 2. They might have a frown, crossed arms, or avoid eye contact.
3. 3. Put your books away, get in line at the door, and be quiet while you wait.
4. 4. Because relevant questions help clarify the topic, show you are paying attention, and help everyone understand better.
5. 5. First, get two slices of bread. Then, spread peanut butter on one slice. Next, spread jelly on the other slice. Finally, put the slices together to make the sandwich.

Guiding Questions

• What clues help you understand the speaker's message?
• How can you show you are listening actively?
• What makes a question relevant?
• How do you restate instructions clearly?
• Why is order important in giving instructions?

Common Misconceptions

• Active listening means just hearing the words, not paying attention to body language or tone.
• Any question is good during a discussion, even if it is off-topic.
• Restating instructions means repeating them word for word, not putting them in your own words.
• Non-verbal messages always mean the opposite of what is said verbally.

Differentiation

Assessment

• Observe students during discussions to see if they ask relevant questions and make pertinent comments.
• Listen to students restate and follow multi-step instructions during activities.
• Write down one example of a verbal message and one non-verbal message you noticed today.
• Restate the following instruction in your own words: 'First, open your notebook, then write your name, and finally, start the assignment.'
• Give an oral presentation where students must listen actively, ask questions, comment, and follow multi-step instructions.

Answer Guide

• What does active listening involve?
  Answer: Paying full attention to both verbal and non-verbal messages to understand the speaker's meaning.
• How can you tell if a question is relevant?
  Answer: It relates directly to the topic and helps clarify or expand understanding.
• How do you restate instructions effectively?
  Answer: By putting the instructions into your own words while keeping the original meaning.
• Why is noticing non-verbal messages important?
  Answer: Because they provide additional information about the speaker's feelings or intentions.
• What is a good way to give multi-step instructions?
  Answer: Give clear, logical steps in order, using precise language so the listener can follow easily.

Real-Life Application

Encourage students to practice active listening and giving clear instructions with family members during daily routines, such as cooking or chores.

Homework or Home Connection

• Encourage students to practice active listening and giving clear instructions with family members during daily routines, such as cooking or chores.

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, students learned to listen actively by interpreting both verbal and non-verbal messages, ask relevant questions, and make pertinent comments to engage meaningfully in discussions. They also practiced following, restating, and giving oral instructions that include multiple action steps, which strengthens their oral communication skills and helps ensure clear understanding in everyday situations.

Teacher Notes

Use the exact standards alignment and retrieved-source provenance stored with this enrichment.