In this lesson we present different ways in which people communicate other than speaking. Sign language is explored to gain a better understanding of some of the communication barriers we may encounter. Street signs and their significance are presented as a type of communication that provide information for our convenience and safety. Also covered is the concept of debate as two opinions are presented for students to evaluate, then present their own persuasive point of view.

Before the lesson: Ask the students, "how many different ways do we communicate?, do you know someone who cannot communicate by speaking? How does that person communicate? Do animals communicate?"

"How Animals Communicate"
Touch-screen - To gain a better understanding of other forms of communication, this game allows students to use their imagination to determine what sounds animals make and what they are trying to convey. A picture containing a variety of images is presented on the Learning Station. Students hear different noises and must choose which image matches the noise being made, i.e. car horn, baby crying, bird chirping. The students are asked to also determine what each of these noises is communicating.
Touch-screen - the second part of this exercise presents pictures of animals on the Learning Station. The students hear an animal sound and must choose which animal is making that sound. Talk about what the animal is trying to communicate. This offers the students the opportunity to use their imagination, as we can only assume to understand what the animal is saying. Talk about how people may not understand what they are conveying, but other animals understand clearly. The game advances when all images are chosen once. You must use the pull-down menu to start the game over, if desired.

"Creative Ways to Communicate"
The dialog introduces the concept of communicating in many different ways without talking. Encourage the students to discuss the different ways they communicate on a daily basis without speaking. This can be as simple as body language, gift giving, yawning, hugs, etc.

"Sign Language"
Hands-on activity - A short video presents sign language as a group of children communicate with each other by signing. Students are then shown a simple sentence to learn by using sign language. A corresponding handout, which is provided, will illustrate this as well. Take a few moments to allow the students to practice this sentence. Encourage them to not speak, but to communicate ONLY with sing language. Suggest that they teach their family members this new communication tool.

"Facial Expressions"
Videotaping activity - To understand the subtle but effective method of communication used every day by our facial expressions, students are presented a sample of expressions on the Learning Station. Students are then encouraged to demonstrate, as a group, their own facial expressions. The teacher should tell the students which expression to convey, i.e., 'how would you communicate anger? Or how would you communicate happiness?" Try to use as many new vocabulary words as possible, such as frustration, confusion, enthusiasm, and joy. Then review the videotape and ask the students to tell which expression is being communicated. (you may want to turn down the volume on the videotape, as your instructions will provide the answers). Talk about the power of facial expressions.

"Road Signs"
Students may not realize that the messages provided on road signs are a form of communication. Different signs are presented on the Learning Station with their meaning.

"Road Sign Game"
Touch-screen - After the sampling of signs are presented, another series of signs appear on the Learning Station. The dialog asks the students to choose which sign indicates which message. Talk about what signs are familiar to students and which are new. Students are asked if they think this is important information. Why?
Hands-on activity - Students now have the opportunity to create their own signs. Provide paper plates or stiff paper and markers. As an option, provide craft sticks to glue to the signs as handles. Encourage students to explain what they are communicating with their signs and why.

"Reasoning"
Videotaping activity - Reasoning is presented as a new vocabulary word, so students should be encouraged to listen closely as the definition is presented. Two cartoon characters, Cody Coyote and Freddy Fox, each present their own reasons why their environment is the best in which to live. After each opinion is presented, students are asked to discuss the presentations. Did each character present clear and interesting information? Are their similarities between these two locations? After these presentations, divide the class into 2 teams. Each team will represent one point of view, similar to those presented by Cody and Freddy. Students should determine why their environment is best for them, not necessarily for the Learning Station characters. This will allow them to use their imagination as they transfer the information that was just presented. After team discussions, the students present their arguments to the class. Remind them to create persuasive and clear sentences to convince the rest of the students. Videotape their presentations.

"Communication Game"
Activity - This communication game is designed to illustrate the importance of using speaking skills and descriptive language to communicate a message clearly. Divide the class into teams of 2. Provide paper and markers to each student. Students sit back to back so they are unable to see what their partner will draw. Student A will carefully describe a simple image on his/her paper. Student B's job is to duplicate this drawing as closely as possible based on what he/she hears communicated by Student A. After a few sentences, students compare drawings to see how well the messages were communicated. Then, switch roles and repeat the process. This activity may require guidance from the teachers, particularly for younger students. Students seem to perform better if they are told that this is a 'mystery' or 'guessing game'.

"Before You Go Home"
Handout - A picture of Cody Coyote and Freddy Fox is provided on your disk for students to take home. Students are encouraged to tell their families how reasoning skills are important in a debate. Also remind students to show their road signs and explain their meaning and importance. The communication drawing game is also a fun game for students to teach family members.

Supply List for Activities
Sign language handout (on disk) to practice
Paper plates (or other stiff paper) and craft sticks (as optional handles) to create road signs
Markers or crayons
Paper to draw pictures (as described in communication exercise for teams of 2)
pictures of Freddy Fox and Cody Coyote (on disk)
"Today I Discovered" - parents handout
videotape