📖

Discussion Circle Practice

Listening and Speaking with Respect

Day 90of 180
Week 18of 36
25Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Practice taking turns during group discussions

2

Listen carefully to others' ideas

3

Respond respectfully to classmates

📖 Scripture Connection

Proverbs 12:15

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.”

— Proverbs 12:15 (WEB)

Shows the importance of listening to others and being open to different perspectives

📦 Materials Needed

  • Discussion prompt cards
  • Listening checklist
  • Talking stick or soft ball
  • Speaking guidelines poster
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Gather students in a circle. Review listening guidelines poster. Explain today's discussion circle will help us practice good listening and speaking.

💭 Review Question: What does a good listener do with their body and mind?
2Teaching (8 min)

Demonstrate how to listen carefully. Use a talking stick to show taking turns. Model good listening and respectful responses.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Look at the person speaking
  • Think about what they are saying
  • Wait your turn to speak
  • Respond kindly
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What is your favorite way God shows love?
  • How can we show love when someone is talking?
  • Why is listening important?
3Activity: Loving Listeners Discussion Circle (8 min)
discussion

Students sit in a circle and practice discussion skills using a talking stick

📝 Instructions:
  1. Sit in a circle
  2. Only the person with the talking stick may speak
  3. Pass the stick after sharing
  4. Listen carefully to each speaker
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Teacher guides discussion more closely

Challenge: Students generate their own discussion topics

4Closing (4 min)

Reflect on what we learned about listening and speaking

📝 Review Questions:
  • What was hard about listening today?
  • How can we be better listeners this week?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear Jesus, help us listen to each other with love and respect. Amen.

Coming up: Next week we'll continue learning about kind communication

💎 Memory Verse

James 1:19

“So, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

— James 1:19 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Repeat verse while making listening and speaking hand motions

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

First graders are learning crucial communication skills

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Practice active listening at home
  • Praise children when they listen carefully
  • Model good listening yourself
🤔 Common Struggles:

Waiting to speak, interrupting, getting distracted

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Child making eye contact, waiting their turn, responding thoughtfully

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Practice listening game at home
  • Create a family listening chart
  • Read books about good communication

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 91 →Back to Language Arts