Exploring different ways to understand

Let’s explore this short video.

Do the characters communicate at the same time, or do they take turns?

Discuss

What did you notice about the characters in the video?

• Why do they take turns when they speak?
• What could happen if they both spoke at the same time?

Acknowledgements(Opens in a new window)

Active listening

Now, let’s brainstorm a few ideas about what it means to show that we understand our peers. Here are a few – let’s add to the list:

• wait for our turn to share
• ask a question about what someone shared
• try to only focus on the person sharing
• try to avoid being distracted

Student Success

Think-Pair-Share

If possible, share some things about yourself with a partner. Some ideas to consider include:

• a book or movie you enjoyed recently
• something that makes you happy

After your partner shares, ask a question about one of the things they shared. If they shared a book they enjoyed, maybe ask about why they chose it, or what their favourite part was.

Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.

Review

Can you think of why we should actively listen? Here are a few to start with – we can add to the list together:

• we want other people to feel understood
• we want to understand someone else
• we want to learn something new
• there is information to understand

In this episode of The Space, Daniel learns new skills and interviews guests. Try to understand why Daniel is actively listening to Britney. What is Daniel trying to learn? What would happen if Daniel did not actively listen to Britney?

Create a poster

It’s your turn to share what you know. You will make a poster about all the skills you learned. Record your thoughts on a poster, or using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool. It’s up to you!

Your poster or recording should include:

• a title
• different ways that you can use to demonstrate focusing and understanding skills

Student Success

Think-Pair-Share

If possible, share the poster or recording that you made with a partner. Practice actively listening as they speak. Share which strategies you used to show that you can listen in the ways we discussed.

Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.

Reflection

How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

I feel…

I have an excellent understanding of the concepts   I have a very good understanding of the concepts   I have some understanding but need to review some more  my understanding of the concepts needs a lot more work

Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.