In this section we lump together speaking (the output of language and thoughts) and listening (the input of language). I often find that students are a little top-heavy or bottom-heavy on these skills. I do find that students are more often than not better speakers than listeners. It might be a generational thing; parents do try to boost their children's self esteem by valuing what they say more and then their kids go a bit overboard and think what they say is much more important than what they hear. Your goal, as a teacher, should try to re-balance them a bit. Believe me, they will never be dead-even, but if you can push the needle, you are a miracle worker. The worksheets in this section with help students learn to use the input and output of language to their benefit and the benefit of others.
Auditory Processing - We examine how we recognize and understand speech. Some people have a difficult time discerning small differences in sound.
Comparing Dialects and Registers of English - A dialect is a unique way of speaking. Registers are based on the situation you find yourself in. Both have some geographic aspect to them.
Comprehending and Retelling Key Details of Stories - This is a skill that takes time to master. The more practice you get with it the better. Once you get good at it, you will really see the benefits.
Conversational English - Language often transitions a bit when it makes it way to the spoken word. We look at techniques to improve your ability to communicate.
Conversational Vocabulary Words - These are terms that you will mostly use in groups at social gatherings. You rarely see them written on the page.
Debating - This is really a formal way of taking part in an argument. Your goal is to persuade others that your position is correct, or the other position is too far from true.
Did You Hear About? - Students will listen to a passage and then answer a series of questions that go right along with it.
Discourse Markers - These types of words help you structure language and manage the flow of discourse.
Getting to Know You - Great for starting off the year or a new class of just about any type or grade level.
Group Reading Activity - These are great ideas that can consume an entire class period.
Kindness - We help students understand how to be considerate to others and present themselves more genuinely.
Introducing Yourself - This is a topic that some students struggle with, while others thrive with it. In these worksheets we explore a good routine to get into.
Listening Comprehension - Do you understand what you hear or do zone out over time? We work on building listener stamina.
Pronunciation - We approach vocabulary words that may be new to you and discuss techniques on how to bring them to the speech.
Recognizing Signs and Symbols - We work on all types of symbols that may be foreign to students. We also approach all types of different marks that may not be familiar to them.
Respect - This is something that is deserved and often requires youngsters a bit of time to realize.
Retelling Familiar Stories - This is skill that can elevate your ability to engage people in what you are explaining or even trying to persuade them to grasp.
Retelling Famous Stories - You need to remember that some students will have heard these stories, so you should add a little twist in there.
Syllables In Spoken Words - We learn how to identify, count them, and break words down into a cadence of sorts.
Telephone Conversation - Texting has all but dull these down as far as volume. Speaking properly on the phone is a skill that will serve you well in all areas of your life personally and professionally.
Words We Use in a Conversation - These often never make their way to written page. You cannot go into just about any dialogue without them though.
What Can You Do? - Work with a partner to ask and answer the questions. Write the missing word(s) on the line. Use the picture as a clue.
About Yourself - Use the script below. Fill in the blanks with details about yourself.
Speaking Cards - Choose one of the cards below. Be prepared to talk about each bullet on your card.
At a Restaurant - Work with a partner to act out each scenario. Fill in the blanks with words of your choice.
Mini Speech Cards - Choose from one of the topics below. Decide on three main points you want to make for your topic. Be prepared to speak on your topic.
Talking Cards - Choose one of the cards below. Be prepared to speak about the topic on your card.
One Minute - Choose a topic. Be prepared to speak for one minute about your topic.
Days of the Week - Work with a partner. Take turns asking and answering the questions.
Topics - Choose a topic. Spend five minutes deciding what you are going to say. Be prepared to talk about your topic. Follow the bulleted outline.
Earth Bound Topics - This is extended topic set that focus on the health of the Earth.
What Would You Do? - If you could design your own house, what would it be like?
Talking Game - Roll a die. Move the number of spaces on the die. Follow the directions in each square.
6 Will Do You - 6 topics that will get you going.
My Practice - Fill in the speech bubbles. Then share what you filled in with your teacher or a partner.
Prompt - Imagine that you have been asked to speak about your town at a regional event. What do you want to share with this group about your town? Write down your claim or main idea.