Silent Game to Improve Non-Verbal Communication
A Game that Improves Writing and Calm Students After Recess
Dec 22, 2008
After students come in from recess or another activity that has them energized, it is a good idea to have a lesson or activity designed to calm them down again. A silent lesson is a great option for this, and it has the benefit of teaching students at the same time, giving them an opportunity to practice their writing and other non-verbal communication skills.
Rules for the Silent Lesson
If your students are old enough to read, then you as the teacher can remain silent from the beginning, and write the rules on the board. Otherwise, explain the rules to the class. The most important rule, of course, is that there is to be no talking. If a student has a question, they must write it down or otherwise indicate what they want to know without making any sounds. The students must understand that not even the teacher can talk, and that there will be prizes for any student who remains silent throughout the entire lesson.
Silent Lesson Activity
The activity for this lesson can be anything that is age appropriate for the students. The assignment should be given through written directions on the board, or through gestures indicating what the students are to do. If students have a question, you must either write down the answer, or somehow gesture for the student to understand your answer.
Ideas for appropriate activities include any writing assignment including those that use writing prompts. You can also provide worksheets or other seat work for the students to complete. A fun game that will give students a chance to work on their writing skills is the communication game. Pair the students up and each student must hold a “conversation” with each other through writing only.
You can also play a twist on the game charades, by having students respond and guess silently as another student acts out something. This activity may frustrate many students, so only after you have introduced this lesson several times before, should you consider something that requires this much interaction. Starting simple with little need for interaction will be the least frustrating for students in the beginning.
Reward Silent Students
During the silent time, monitor students for any verbal communication, and remind them silently of the rules. If students finish the activity early, they may read a book or pass notes to each other silently. Once the time is up, you can announce that the lesson is over, and allow the students to congratulate themselves with a round of applause. Reward each student who was able to remain silent through the entire lesson with a simple prize, such as a pencil.
Students will enjoy this lesson if you make it fun. It will be a great way to encourage new methods of communication, and improve student writing skills as well. Some students will need additional rules for written notes, such as proper punctuation, no drawing, and the like. Remember to have fun, and consider making it a weekly or even a daily activity to help calm students down after recess.
You may also be interested in learning how to help students stay focused.
Check out other lesson plan ideas.
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