Connect students directly to the concept in a personal way. Capture students' attention by initiating a group problem-solving activity before delivery of instruction. Begin with a situation that is familiar to students and builds on what they already know. Construct a learning experience that allows diverse and personal student responses. Facilitate the work of cooperative teams of students.

Observation of human characteristics

Objective: To sensitize students to communicative behavior by observing and recording ways humans communicate.

Activity: Begin by asking these questions as you speak, "What am I doing right now?" "How am I communicating with you?" Watch me, what do you observe? "Are there other ways for me to communicate with you?" Have students take five minutes to talk with two or more of their classmates around their desks. They can talk about some favorite TV shows or books. Tell them to observe what their classmates do as they talk in order to communicate. What might they be saying with hands, body movements, or in order to communicate differently from another? Ask students to keep a simple journal for the next day. They should make careful observations about how they and their friends, family, or community members communicate with each other. Explain that students will have an opportunity to share their observations the next day.

Assessment: Participation in activity and discussion.