"This book results from many years of experience in a 'self-administered' Waldorf school. During those years, I watched the decision-making process unfold through innumerable conversations and committee meetings. It is my hope that this short text can serve as an aid for those seeking to increase their conversational ability. Only such increased competence will enable us to raise the human interaction taking place in any conversation to a higher level." -- Heinz Zimmermann All human activity, whatever the size of the community --whether in business, the family, schools, or politics --is group activity. Such group activity depends upon the ability of human beings to work together consciously in language. Speaking, Listening, Understanding is a book about group conversations, especially those intended to arrive at decisions and/or insights. Various types of conversations are described. In the process, we learn how individual participants, context, and mood can affect the overall process, Exercises, both group and individual, are provided for different kinds of conversations. Rather than the dynamics of group psychology, however, the author starts from the artistic aspects of conversation: namely, language and consciousness. Using examples and anecdotes drawn from many years of work with groups, Zimmermann shows in a straightforward way what can go wrong and why. Then, through a step-by-step articulation of the processes involved in conversation --speaking, listening, and understanding --he shows what kinds of awareness and practices can strengthen the group processes that facilitate creative conversation. This is a valuable resource for any group or community, and it is directed especially toward Waldorf school communities.

Written by two experienced speech language therapists, who have worked extensively alongside mainstream teachers, this book provides activities that are both teacher and child friendly. It contains a collection of graded games and activities designed to foster the speaking, listening and understanding skills of children aged from 5 to 7. The activities are divided into two main areas: Understanding Spoken Language: Following Instructions; Getting the Main Idea; Thinking Skills; Developing Vocabulary; Understanding Inference. Using Spoken Language: Narrating; Describing; Explaining; Predicting; Playing with Words. Each activity has a clear aim, simple instructions, and requires minimal equipment. Activities may be carried out by teachers, classroom assistants or volunteers. Incorporates user-friendly opportunities for assessment, target setting and evaluation. Includes photocopiable material to support the activities. "Many of the activities can be used by speech language therapists, and the book can be used as an effective part of a speech and language programme. Promotes the skills outlined in Speaking and Listening in the English National Curriculum Key Stage One.

The first text designed specifically to introduce debate to new English language speakers. Written in clear, easily accessible prose, it presents the basics of debate while avoiding the complexity and excessive cultural references that make standard texts difficult for this audience to use. Each chapter includes a list of the important concepts and key vocabulary terms as well as exercises that will help students master the skill discussed. All definitions are listed in a glossary.

Speaking, Listening and Understanding is a practical resource packed full of games to improve young children’s communication skills. The second edition of this bestselling resource contains a programme of games and activities to foster the speaking, listening and understanding skills of children aged from 5 to 7 years. The book seeks to address language and communication difficulties for primary-aged children by providing a range of fun and engaging activities. Suitable for whole classes or small groups of children, the activities focus on both understanding and using language in areas such as following instructions, thinking skills, inference, describing, narrating and playing with words. Features include: 160 games and activities which are differentiated by stages and levels of ability; A clear aim, equipment list and instructions for each activity; Photocopiable templates for ease of use; Supplementary resource sheets including pictures and scripts to use with the activities. Now fully revised and updated in line with current policy and legislation, this book is suitable for young children in any school setting. It also includes material that may be used as an effective part of a speech and language therapy programme in consultation with a therapist. This is a unique manual that will be an essential addition to the materials used by professionals working with young children.

Communication between parents and children, men and women, ethnic groups, nations, consumers advertisers, and television and viewers.

Mosaic One: A Listening /Speaking Skills Book, 3/e, teaches learning strategies and language functions, while maintaining a strong focus on both listening and speaking. Each chapter teaches one learning strategy and one language function within the context of the chapter theme. Ideal for intermediate to high-intermediate students.

Everyone can be a better listener. Using the concepts of what we think, feel, and do about listening, Dr. Kline promotes the need for honing this often neglected communication skill. He presents logical, practical methods that will help you to become a better listener in your personal and professional life in everyday and critical situations.Listening is the neglected communication skill. While all of us have had instruction in reading, writing, and speaking, few have had any formal instruction in listening. This void in our education is especially interesting in light of research showing that most of us spend seven of every 10 minutes we are awake in some form of communication activity. Of these seven minutes (or 70 percent of the time we are awake), 10 percent is spent writing, 15 percent reading, 30 percent talking, and 45 percent listening.