Exploring Communication Skills What are some communication skills? Why are good communication skills important at school? At work? How are communication skills connected to work ethics? Written by Barbara Mackessy

MSCD7-1: Students will identify and evaluate work ethics and behavior characteristics needed for success in a career and in life. Demonstrate the importance of positive work ethics in relation to success (Appearance, attendance, attitude, character, communication, cooperation, productivity, organizational skills, respect, and teamwork). Identify examples of appropriate and inappropriate personal behaviors in specific school, social, and work situations. Assess the consequences of positive and negative work ethic choices. Perform activities that will develop effective communication and decisions making skills. Explore group dynamics and interpersonal skills in order to foster teamwork.

When is communication not effective? When no one talks. When no one listens. When one hears but does not try to understand. When one doesn’t pay attention. When one doesn’t think that it is important.

Lego Communication Activity Teacher randomly assign the students in pairs. Each pair needs to have two matching bags of Legos (assorted sizes and colors). Each pair needs a poster board or something to put between the pair.

Instructions Put the poster board on the table/desk so that neither person can see to the other side. One person in the pair will build an item with the Legos behind the poster or box. They will saying what they are doing only one time. The other person is to try and build the same thing without seeing what is being build. They must use at least 35 Legos in the construction and be at least seven different sizes or colors.

Communication Did the Lego objects look the same? Probably not. After looking and discussing take that object apart. Let’s add some communication skills. Now one person is to build another object behind the poster but they can repeat what they say or are doing as many times as they need to. The second object must have at least 35 pieces and be at least seven shapes or sizes. They need to watch their partner’s facial expressions to see if they understand.

Were the second objects closer to being the same? After looking and discussing take that object apart. Let’s add some more communication skills for this third creation. Now the partner can ask as many questions as they need to. The builder can repeat any part of the instructions as needed. The third object needs to be at least 35 Legos and have at least seven different shapes and sizes of Legos in the construction.

The third creation should be the closest match of both partners. Why was this third creation the closest match? What should we do in real life situations? Think about how important effective communication is to your future. Write a short reflection in your career notebook about the relationship of effective communication to your future success.

Teamwork/Cooperative group Are there times when people would rather work alone? Are there times when people would rather work alone? Team members are responsible for keeping their team members on task. Team members are responsible for keeping their team members on task. How can a team be improved? How can a team be improved? How can a team member be motivated to participate more? How can a team member be motivated to participate more? Who is responsible for the finished product or project when working in a team? Who is responsible for the finished product or project when working in a team?

Teamwork Mascot Activity Each person must participate in some part of the planning and developing of the mascot. Each person must participate in some part of the planning and developing of the mascot. Each person must have some involvement. Each person must have some involvement. All team members are responsible for the finished project/product. All team members are responsible for the finished project/product.

Each Group Students are to sit with the team that the teacher just randomly assigned. Students are to sit with the team that the teacher just randomly assigned. Follow the instructions and direction given in this powerpoint. Follow the instructions and direction given in this powerpoint.

Teamwork Activity Activity Objective: Use teamwork to create a model Lego School Mascot. Mascot Development Activity 1. Plan your group strategy. Create an action plan that will serve as your guide. 2. Select one person to be the retriever. (only one person may get up at any time during this activity) 3. Follow all guidelines set forth for the project. 4. Abide by any school and class rules. 5. Treat everyone with respect.

Mascot Development Guidelines Each group must create a school mascot. Each group must create a school mascot. School mascot must be 6½ inches height X 8¾ inches in length and 1¾ inches in width. (Get as close as you can this is a major part of the judging) School mascot must be 6½ inches height X 8¾ inches in length and 1¾ inches in width. (Get as close as you can this is a major part of the judging) Mascots will be measures from the widest, highest and longest points. Mascots will be measures from the widest, highest and longest points. School mascot must stand on it’s own. School mascot must stand on it’s own. School mascot cannot be propped up in any way. School mascot cannot be propped up in any way. Mascots must be finished in 20 minutes. Mascots must be finished in 20 minutes. All group members must participate. All group members must participate. Only one person may get up at any time during this activity. Only one person may get up at any time during this activity.

Teamwork guidelines All group members must complete the group evaluation form on their group. All group members must complete the group evaluation form on their group. All group members must remain positive at all times. All group members must remain positive at all times. All members must contribute to the activity. All members must contribute to the activity. Teacher will complete a group participation form. Teacher will complete a group participation form.

School Mascot will be judged by: Closest to correct measurement in height. Closest to correct measurement in height. Closest to correct measurement in length. Closest to correct measurement in length. Closest to correct measurement in width. Closest to correct measurement in width. Closest to correct replica of original school mascot. Closest to correct replica of original school mascot. Group participation of all members. Group participation of all members.

What are the advantages of working in a team as compared to working alone? What are the disadvantages of working in a team as compared to working alone?