What good group talk looks like

In a group that communicates well, each person gets a turn, ideas are summarised before a decision, and someone checks that everyone knows the plan. Children can learn simple roles to support this, such as a timekeeper, a checker and a reporter.

Rotate roles between games so every child tries each one. Afterwards, ask the group what helped and what got in the way.

Game 1: Blind Builder

Players: groups of 3. Ages: 6 to 12. Time: 15 minutes. Materials: two identical sets of 6 to 8 building blocks per group, and a small screen such as an open book.

One child, the designer, builds a small model behind the screen. The second child, the builder, has the matching blocks but cannot see the model. The designer describes it in words only. The third child, the checker, may look at both sides and ask one question per minute to help. After five minutes, remove the screen and compare.

• Easier: use four large blocks in different colours.

• Harder: the designer may not use colour words, only shape, size and position.

• Skill built: precise description and asking clarifying questions.

Game 2: Group Story Map

Players: groups of 4 to 6. Ages: 5 to 10. Time: 20 minutes. Materials: one large sheet of paper and pens per group.

The group must agree on a route from home to a treasure, with three places on the way. Each child draws one place, but only after explaining it to the group and getting a nod of agreement. The reporter then explains the whole map to another group, who must retell the route back correctly.

• Easier: an adult gives the three places and children only agree the order.

• Harder: each group secretly receives one rule, such as the route must cross water, which only one member knows and must share.

• Skill built: negotiating, agreeing and summarising.

Running the games well

Keep groups small so nobody is left out. Watch for one child taking over and use roles to rebalance. Praise specific moves, for example: I noticed you checked with Aylin before drawing.

At home, siblings and parents can play Blind Builder with any toys that come in matching pairs, or with two sets of cutlery and cups.

Key points

• Give each child a clear role and rotate them.

• Choose tasks that cannot be done without talking.

• Praise specific communication moves, not just the result.

• End with a short talk about what helped the group.

Ready-made resources

Printable session plans and materials for this topic are available from EduTrend Contents: G4C-120 Talk & Listen Games.

Photos: Pierre Vaucher, CDC / Unsplash