Virginia SOL 8.C.1.A.i
The Standard
Listening actively, offering and seeking ideas, and setting guidelines for presentations and discussions.
Virginia Standards of Learning for English · Communication, Listening, and Collaboration
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students take part in extended discussions with different classmates about texts and grade-level topics. They listen closely, share and request ideas, build on responses, and help set clear discussion rules.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students follow group guidelines, listen without interrupting, and refer to specific comments from classmates. They invite others to speak, ask useful questions, and add relevant evidence or ideas.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may treat active listening as staying quiet rather than responding to ideas. They may dominate, repeat points, interrupt, or set vague rules such as “be respectful.”
How to Assess It
- Give groups five minutes to discuss whether a character made the right choice. Use a checklist to record each student asking a question, building on an idea, and following agreed rules.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Have groups sort behavior cards into helpful and unhelpful discussion habits, then write three specific rules for their next conversation.
Ask students to write, “A strong discussion partner should,” then compare responses and agree on the three best habits.
Play Discussion Token Challenge, where students spend tokens by asking a question, adding evidence, inviting a peer, or connecting two ideas.
Run a mock workplace meeting where teams choose a class event plan, assign a facilitator, follow guidelines, and record the final decision.
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Printable 8.C.1.A.i Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 8.C.1.A.i, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- 2.C.1.A.i
Listening actively and following agreed upon rules for participating in discussions.
- 9.C.1.A.ii
Setting guidelines for group presentations and discussions.
- K.C.1.A.i
Listening actively and following agreed-upon rules for participating in discussions (e.g., waiting for a turn to speak without unnecessary interruptions and sta...
- 10.C.1.A.ii
Setting guidelines for group presentations and discussions.
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