Virginia SOL 3.C.1.A.i
The Standard
Listening actively and speaking using agreed-upon discussion rules.
Virginia Standards of Learning for English · Communication, Listening, and Collaboration
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students listen closely, wait for their turn, and speak clearly during partner, group, and class conversations. They follow shared rules and connect their comments to others’ ideas.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students take turns, face the speaker, and respond to the idea being discussed. They add relevant details, ask useful questions, and disagree respectfully without interrupting.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think active listening means staying quiet without following the speaker’s ideas. They may interrupt, repeat a previous point, or speak without referring to what classmates said.
How to Assess It
- Give pairs the prompt, “Which character made the best choice, and why?” Use a checklist for turn-taking, eye contact, relevant responses, and respectful disagreement.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups four discussion-rule cards, then have students sort examples of speaking and listening behaviors under each card.
Ask, “What makes someone a strong discussion partner?” Students name one behavior and support it with an example.
Play Discussion Relay, where each student must summarize the previous speaker before adding a new idea.
Hold a class meeting about a playground issue, with assigned speakers, listeners, and a student tracking interruptions and follow-up questions.
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Printable 3.C.1.A.i Worksheet
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