Generating Topics - 1 - not up

Foundational

Table of Contents

Teachers

Definition: Topics are subjects that we discuss with others when we are having a conversation

Discussion Points

  • Why do we need to vary the topics that we discuss?
  • What would happen if we discussed the same topics repeatedly?
  • How do you respond to a person who says the same thing or discusses the same topic over and over again?
  • Why should we try to listen to people who are talking about unfamiliar topics with us?

Discuss with students what it means to generate topics. Review the discussion point questions.

Possible activities to review the discussion point:

  • The group should form a circle. Ask a question and allow students to toss a bean bag to those who would like to answer the question.
  • Play tic-tac-toe by dividing the group into teams. Write discussion questions on a post-it note and place them on the tic-tac-toe grid. Allow a representative from the team to select a post-it note and as a team develop an answer to the question. If they get it right they may put their teams marker (x or o) on the grid.

Activity 1: Topic Discussion

In the large group, have each of the students contribute to a list of topics that they may not talk about on a daily basis. List these on the board. Ex. Dogs
Discuss why it is they may not talk about these topics often.

Materials Needed:
  • Chart paper or chalk board

Activity 2: The Labeling Game

Allow students time to work with a partner or in small groups to see how many categories they can name.

Materials Needed:
  • Student Activity Sheet A - 1 per group
  • Pencil for each group

Activity 3: Comic Strip Worksheet

Allow students time to complete student activity sheet B. If time, allow them to work with a partner to role play the comics.

Materials Needed:
  • Activity 3: Comic Strip Worksheet
  • Pencil for each student
    •

Lesson Extension: Listening Comprehension and Grammar Review

Explain that a script is a form of dialogue writing between characters in a movie, play, or broadcast. Utilizing the immersive reader students should listen carefully as the teacher plays the example scripts below. Replay the script if needed. Allow students time to answer the questions on student activity sheet D.

After students have finished, discuss the listening comprehension questions together.

Materials Needed:
  • Student Activity Sheet C - 1 per student
  • Pencil for each student
  • Student activity sheet D - 1 per student
  • Red and purple colored pencil or crayon
    •

Example of an appropriate script for generating topics:
Darren: Hi Chris. Did you have a nice trip?
Chris: Yes, I did! I went to a theme park. Do you like theme parks or do you like different kinds of vacation spots?
Darren: I prefer beach vacations.

Example of an inappropriate script for generating topics:
Darren:Hi Chris, how are you?
Chris: Fine.
Darren: Would you like to play a game?
Chris: No!

Allow students time to complete activity sheet D.

Display the script using the immersive reader, highlight the nouns in the script. Students should self check their work to determine if they correctly named two nouns. Repeat the process for verbs and syllables.

If time allows students may partner together and role play the script.

Script Writing and Animation

Review and discuss example scripts from lesson extension.

In small groups, have the students create scripts demonstrating appropriate and inappropriate ways to generate topics. Use the script sheet to create students scripts.

Have students record their scripts using SiLAS software. Remember to name and save their work. Premiere the movies with the group members at the end of each session.

Materials Needed:
  • Script sheet for each group
  • Pencil for each student
    •

Lesson Review

Allow students time to complete the student lesson review sheet. When everyone is finished review the answers.

Read Aloud Recommendations:

Completing a read aloud with students is a great way for them to see and learn social skills as well as incorporating reading skills. Below are some books that could be used to reinforce the concept. Read and discuss as appropriate for level and as time allows throughout the lesson.

Utilize current classroom literature to discuss different topics the students may not be familiar with.

Materials Needed:
  • Student Lesson Review sheet - 1 per student
  • Pencil for each student

Students

Go to only student curriculum

Student Activity Sheet A

Directions: Use the list of objects below to identify the category.

Word bank: Vegetables Toys Shapes Transportation Colors Sports

1. peas, broccoli, carrots, spinach, brussel sprouts, asparagus

2. blocks, action figures, dolls, playdough, cars, puzzles

3. triangle, circle, trapezoid, rectangle, hexagon

4. bike, airplane, boat, truck, train, bus, taxi

5. red, blue, green, orange, pink, purple, yellow

6. football, softball, tennis, hockey, baseball, basketball

Student Activity Sheet B

Directions: Study the comic strips below. Circle the answers that show the characters using appropriate facial expressions.

Student Activity Sheet C

Directions: Complete the following questions.

1. Who are the characters in this script?

2. Where did Chris go on vacation?

3. What was the topic Chris and Darren discussed ?

4.How do you think Darren felt when Chris would not play with him?

Student Activity Sheet E

Directions: In the scripts below circle two nouns in purple that name a person and one noun that names a place. In red circle two verbs.

Remember: A noun names a person, place, thing, or idea. A verb names describe an action, state, or occurrence

Example of an appropriate script for generating topics:
Darren: Hi Chris. Did you have a nice trip?
Chris: Yes, I did! I went to a theme park. Do you like theme parks or do you like different kinds of vacation spots?
Darren: I prefer beach vacations.

Example of an inappropriate script for generating topics:
Darren:Hi Chris, how are you?
Chris: Fine.
Darren: Would you like to play a game?
Chris: No!

Directions: How many syllables do you hear in the words below?
Darren __
trip __
topic __
vacation __
game __

Student Lesson Review Sheet

Directions: Complete the following questions.

1. What is a topic?

2. Why is it important to generate a variety of topics during a conversation?

3. How do people feel when you talk about the same topic over and over again?