Communication skills are essential for lifelong success.
Module One: Communication will teach students the importance of this skill, including how to understand nonverbal communication, listen effectively and critically, speak responsibly, and communicate construct.
Purpose: Students explore the concept of nonverbal communication by working on a puzzle with a small group.
1. Students work in groups of three to silently put together a square puzzle.
Organize students into groups of three. Give each group a cut-up copy of the “Square Puzzle Set” activity sheet. Read the following rules aloud to the class: Each team has seven minutes to put the puzzle together without speaking to each other. Any team that is talking or writing notes will be disqualified. When teams complete the puzzle, they should cover the solution and raise their hands. I will come to check the solution. Suggest that as students work to solve the puzzle, they pay attention to the interaction within their group. Time the activity.
2. Students identify the nonverbal cues they used.
Ask teams to list what they observed as they were solving the puzzle. Inquire how the team members communicated. Have students identify the positive and negative nonverbal messages that they saw during this activity and how these messages were conveyed. Student responses should include eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, and body language. Write student responses where everyone can see. You will refer to this list in Part III.
3. Students discuss the difficulty of the task.
Ask students if the task was easy or difficult. Have students explain their answers. Ask students what they felt as they first tried to solve the puzzle. Inquire if their feelings changed and if the nonverbal communication became easier as time passed.