English Language Arts and Reading.3.1.C

The student is expected to

speak coherently about the topic under discussion, employing eye contact, speaking rate, volume, enunciation, and the conventions of language to communicate ideas effectively;

oral language TEKS talk image

Knowledge and Skills Statement

Developing and sustaining foundational language skills: listening, speaking, discussion, and thinking -- oral language. The student develops oral language through listening, speaking, and discussion.

A teacher may wish to pair SE 3.1.C with SE 3.7.G and assess both SEs at the same time. With SE 3.7.G, students explain specific ideas in the text that are important to the meaning. Ensure students have a clear understanding of and receive guidelines for what is expected during a group discussion. While working in small groups, have students read and discuss a text to determine specific ideas in the text that are important to the meaning. All students must participate in the discussion and communicate their ideas effectively.

Behaviors to observe:

  • Students speak at a rate that is not too fast or too slow.
  • Students speak at a volume that is not too quiet or too loud.
  • Students clearly enunciate the words they use.
  • Students make appropriate eye contact with one another.
     

Further Explanation

This assessment requires students to clearly share ideas about a text in a group discussion. Students demonstrate their understanding of appropriate classroom language as well as expectations regarding eye contact, volume, enunciation, and speaking rate. As oral language skills in a school setting are still developing in third-grade students, frequent review and reteaching of appropriate behaviors will further support students.

When students orally present information, they are expected to communicate using the generally agreed upon rules of spoken English. Students apply their understanding of grammar and how to structure and transition between sentences. Consistent and effective use of these rules will help students clearly convey ideas to their audience.
Students are expected to use verbal and nonverbal techniques when giving a presentation to capture the audience's attention and keep it engaged throughout the presentation. An effective presenter should always face the audience and be attentive to its reaction. When presenting, students should also be able to use appropriate verbal and nonverbal techniques to emphasize key concepts and make the message clear and easy to understand.
When students offer their own ideas to a discussion or verbally respond to someone else’s ideas, they should be capable of effectively communicating a clear, relevant, and logical message. If students expand on unimportant details or introduce unrelated concepts to the discussion, it can indicate that they do not understand the subject matter or are uncertain of their own response to it.