Communication Olympics
Master the art of effective communication through competitive debate, discussion, and persuasive speaking challenges that develop critical thinking and advanced oral communication skills.
Activity Overview
The Communication Olympics engages Grade 5 learners in a series of competitive communication challenges that develop advanced listening and speaking skills. Students participate in structured debates, impromptu speaking challenges, and collaborative discussions while learning to provide evidence to support their thinking and respond respectfully to others' ideas.
Essential Learning Outcomes (ELOs)
- • ELO 1: Explore oral language for pleasure, personal growth, and relationships
- • Clarify opinions by providing evidence to support thinking
- • Use intonation, tone, and expression appropriately
- • Participate as active listeners in group activities
- • Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions
Activity Details
Skills Developed
Olympic Events
Event 1: Debate Championship
Structured debates on relevant topics using evidence and logical reasoning
Event 2: Impromptu Speaking
30-second preparation for 1-minute speeches on various topics
Event 3: Active Listening Challenge
Demonstrating comprehension and response skills
Event 4: Collaborative Discussion
Roundtable discussions with respectful turn-taking and evidence sharing
Materials Needed
- Communication Olympics video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW82k7lwI_U
- Debate topic cards relevant to Grade 5 interests
- Timer for impromptu speaking rounds
- Assessment checklists for speaking and listening
- Recording devices for reflection (optional)
- Olympic-themed certificates or awards
Step-by-Step Instructions
Phase 1: Introduction & Training
- 1Begin by viewing the Communication Olympics video together, pausing to discuss each section
- 2Discuss the qualities of effective listeners and speakers using the question: "What does it mean to be a good listener?"
- 3Practice basic debate rules and respectful discussion guidelines
- 4Introduce evidence-based reasoning and opinion support techniques
Phase 2: Olympic Competition
- 1Conduct structured debates with teams presenting opposing viewpoints
- 2Run impromptu speaking challenges with random topic selections
- 3Test active listening skills through comprehension and response activities
- 4Facilitate collaborative roundtable discussions on engaging topics
Assessment Focus
Use observation checklists to assess clarity of speech, evidence support, respectful listening, appropriate volume and pace, eye contact, and ability to stay on topic. Focus on both content accuracy and communication effectiveness.
Differentiation Strategies
For Advanced Learners
- • Moderate debates and provide feedback to peers
- • Research complex topics for evidence gathering
- • Create persuasive presentations with multimedia
- • Analyze communication strategies used by others
For On-Level Learners
- • Participate in structured debates with support
- • Use provided evidence sources for arguments
- • Practice with familiar topics and interests
- • Work in collaborative teams for discussions
For Struggling Learners
- • Start with one-on-one or small group practice
- • Provide sentence starters and speaking frames
- • Use visual supports and graphic organizers
- • Allow extra preparation time for responses
Extension Activities & Cross-Curricular Connections
Extension Activities
- • Create video recordings of debates for self-reflection
- • Interview family members about effective communication
- • Research famous speeches and analyze techniques used
- • Organize a communication Olympics for younger grades
- • Develop class rules for respectful discussion
Cross-Curricular Connections
- • Social Studies: Debate historical events and decisions
- • Science: Discuss environmental issues and solutions
- • Health: Explore healthy lifestyle choices
- • Mathematics: Argue for different problem-solving strategies
- • Arts: Discuss artistic interpretations and preferences