Produced by the Riverina Schools Project Partnership, 2009 Talk To Me Lesson Eleven Checking for Understanding

Talk To Me Recently we’ve been learning about some of the things that help talking to each other go well. Who can remember what some of those things were? Today we are going to talk about how to check that the person we’re talking to understands what we mean.

What do we look for? There are many things we can look for in a person’s facial expressions and body language that could show a lack of understanding. Our faces and body language can give others lots of information about how we’re feeling, even without saying anything.

What do we look for? What kind of face do you make when you do not understand? Lets Brainstorm!

What’s happening in this picture?

Circle the RIGHT answer A. The students aren’t looking at each other. B. The students aren’t wearing school uniform. C. One person isn’t trying to help the other understand what is said.

What’s happening in this picture?

How can we tell that the speaker is being understood?

What should I do to make sure they understand? If you are unsure if the person you are talking to is understanding what you’re saying, there are things you can do. You could pause, and allow them a turn to ask you to repeat something You could ask them if they understand

Activity At your desks, look at the hand-out. Fill in the speech bubble, writing down what you would say to make sure your listener understands Colour in the picture, making sure to stay between the lines.