Minds On

Ways to communicate

Press each of the following Ways to Communicate and explore the images and descriptions:

Using Voice to Tell a Story

A teacher reads aloud to their class and uses her voice to express ideas and feelings.

Using Voice to Have a Discussion

A teacher speaks to a student and their parent and uses her voice to share feedback.

Using Gestures to Show Emotion

A group of young students and their teacher use gestures to express feeling surprised.

Using Gestures to Share Ideas

A young student uses hand gestures to express her ideas to a teacher.

Using Gestures to Give Attention

A teacher gestures towards a student with their hand raised to call on that student to participate.

Using Gestures to Get Attention

A young student raises her hand to show the teacher she wants to participate.

Using Facial Expressions to Show Emotion

A young student makes different facial expressions to communicate his feelings.

Student Success

Think-Pair-Share

What do you notice about the different types of communication?

Discuss with a partner, if possible.

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

Action

Explicit and implicit messages

There are many ways to communicate.

There are explicit messages where a speaker uses words and other communication strategies to explain a clear message.

Then there are implicit messages where a speaker uses communication strategies to give the audience clues that imply an unclear message or the speaker’s feelings.

Communication strategies

We can use communication strategies to express how we feel without using our words.

These strategies can help us explain our messages and ideas more clearly.

These strategies can also help us imply messages and ideas that may be unclear. For example, our voice and the way we move our body can help others understand how we feel about the message we are trying to communicate.

Here are three examples of communication strategies:

Voice

A speaker can use their voice to change their message:

  • Adjust your volume by speaking more loudly or more quietly
  • Adjust your speed by speaking more quickly or more slowly

Gestures

A speaker can use gestures to change their message:

  • Use specific body movements to express your feelings

Facial expressions

A speaker can use facial expressions to change their message:

  • Use your facial features to share your emotions

Brainstorm

How do I communicate?

Review the images and descriptions from our Minds On section activity and think about the ways that you communicate. Which communication strategies do you use?

Record your answer using a method of your choice.

Understanding implied messages

Let’s explore a video in which Monica interviews Iskwé, a singer-songwriter.

Access the video “Backyard Beats – The Indigenous Hand Drum”:

What kind of communication strategies did you observe Monica using that helped you understand how she feels while interviewing Iskwé?

Monica’s Communication Strategies Table
Strategy Example
1) Voice
2) Gestures
3) Facial Expressions
4) Other

Complete Monica’s Communication Strategies Table in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document.

Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Monica’s Communication Strategies Table.

Activity (Open PDF in a new window)

If you need help remembering Monica and Iskwé’s conversation, press a 'Hint' to be reminded of a communication strategy that Monica used.

Monica’s voice becomes louder and faster at different times during the interview. This might mean she is excited at those moments.

Monica uses hand gestures when asking questions and big arm gestures at other times. This might mean she is happy and excited.

Monica’s smiles, laughs, and opens her mouth to show surprise.
Indigenous Hand Drum

Attentiveness strategies

Let’s review our attentiveness strategies from a previous learning activity:

For each attentiveness strategy, select the missing verb from the drop-down menu.

When you are finished reviewing our attentiveness strategies, answer the following question:

  • Is Monica showing attentiveness during the interview?

Discuss your answer with a partner if possible, or record your answer using a method of your choice.

Consolidation

Determining implied messages

Let’s explore a video in which Alex reports on his favourite sport.

Access the video “Kid Reporter Alex – Sledge Hockey”:

What are some of the communication strategies that Alex uses to share his ideas?

What kind of communication strategies did you observe Alex using that helped you understand how he feels about sledge hockey?

Alex’s Communication Strategies
Strategy Example
1) Voice
2) Gestures
3) Facial Expressions
4) Other

Complete Alex’s Communication Strategies Table in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document.

Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Alex’s Communication Strategies Table.

Activity (Open PDF in a new window)
Sledge Hockey

Compare Alex and Monica’s communication strategies by responding to the following questions:

  1. What did they do that was similar?
  2. What did they do that was different?
  3. What are some of the different strategies that you use to communicate with others?

Discuss your responses with a partner if possible, or record your responses using a method of your choice.

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…

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