Standard 1: Speaking and Listening

Students will speak and listen effectively in a variety of situations including, but not limited to, responses to reading and writing.

12.1.R.1 Students will actively listen and speak clearly using appropriate discussion rules with control of verbal and nonverbal cues.

Student Actions 

Teacher Actions 

• Students will continue to practice listening and speaking skills during classroom discussions.
• Students will continue to follow established discussion rules.
• Students will continue to interpret the meanings of verbal and nonverbal cues.

• Teachers model verbal and nonverbal cues.

• Teachers provide students opportunities to practice listening and speaking skills including the use of verbal and nonverbal cues.

• Teachers monitor discussions to ensure students are staying on task and understanding the material and provide opportunities for students to receive feedback.

Supporting Resources 

Teacher Insights

ELA OAS Glossary pg. 9 & 14

• Nonverbal messages include pauses, facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, and body language.

• Verbal cues include words, phrases, and tone of voice that speakers use to add emphasis, clarify organization, make connections, and create ethos.

• Listeners should study these cues to determine a speaker’s message, argument, and credibility.

• Appropriate discussion rules may vary depending on the classroom discussion but may include the following:

• using appropriate volume

• avoiding interruptions

• attention on the speaker

• remaining on topic

• making appropriate responses 

Due to recursive nature of the standards, it is essential that teachers are aware of how all objectives within and between strands work together for optimal instruction.