When you first train students in the area of verbal communications, begin by defining the goals. Make them simple and observable. Once you identify them, teach, model, and expect to see them whenever your students speak throughout the school year.
I chose 4 verbal communication skills, S.P.I.E., for my students and glued a picture of a magnifying glass to the end of a paint stirrer. Whenever students presented (anything and everything), I held up my “S.P.I.E. glass”, prompting them to be mindful of the following:
Stance
Project
Inflection
Eye Contact
These four expectations were simple enough for my elementary (K – 5th graders) students to remember the goals. The visual of a magnifying glass really helped.
The key is to be consistent when reinforcing verbal communication skills. Don’t just review them when children are about to give speeches or book talks. Look for them when conducting group discussions, listening to memory verses, during morning meeting, when greeting visitors to the classroom, etc. Every time a student speaks – look for S.P.I.E. (or whatever communication goals you identify for your students).
Our S.P.I.E. glass will be available for purchase in our store.