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8th grade · English Language Arts · Unit 13 of 16

Talking & Working Together

Listening, sharing ideas and giving kind feedback

What your child practices

Exploring and sharing thoughts and experiences, listening to other points of view, using inclusive language, working fairly in a group and giving feedback that is specific and kind.

New York State Learning Standards learning standard: 8SL1 · listening actively, sharing ideas and giving helpful feedback in groups

How we explain it

Children can open this short lesson before they practice.

  1. Before a discussion, jot down your thoughts and experiences.
  2. Listen to other points of view, use inclusive language and speak in a calm, clear voice.
  3. Decide fairly by discussing each idea’s strengths, and give feedback that is specific and kind.

Example: Two people suggest different plans. What is a fair way to decide? Fair means both plans get a real look. Then the group chooses together. Answer: Talk about the strengths of each plan, then choose together.

Talking & Working Together in New York

In the New York State Learning Standards, this is unit 13 of 16 in 8th grade English Language Arts, after Weigh the Evidence and before Plan, Form & Voice.

Gradelings describes a child's practice on this unit as Beginning, Approaching, Meeting or Exceeding (Four practice steps). That reflects practice, not a report-card mark: the teacher decides the mark.

Source: New York State Education Department (NYSED)

Sample questions

A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.

  1. Question 1

    Why is it helpful to restate what a speaker said before you reply?

    • It makes the speaker stop.
    • It proves you were right.
    • It is a way to avoid answering.
    • It checks that you understood their point.

  2. Question 2

    A speaker says, 'Those people are all the same.' What is the problem with this statement?

    • It uses too many adjectives.
    • It is a question.
    • It is a stereotype that treats a whole group as one.
    • It is too short.

  3. Question 3

    Which is an example of using a stereotype in conversation?

    • Saying that all teenagers are lazy.
    • Saying that a classmate was late today.
    • Asking someone about their weekend.
    • Describing a book you liked.

  4. Question 4

    During a presentation, you want to stay on topic. Which tool helps most?

    • A short outline with your main points
    • Reading every word without looking up
    • Speaking as quietly as possible
    • A longer story about something else

  5. Question 5

    Which wording sounds most respectful when you ask someone to repeat?

    • What? That makes no sense.
    • Speak up already.
    • Why can't you talk properly?
    • Could you say that again, please?

  6. Question 6

    A speaker is nervous. Which audience behavior helps most?

    • Smiling and listening calmly
    • Making faces
    • Whispering to a friend
    • Looking at the clock

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