Brief Explanation of the Common Core State Standards

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are a set of educational guidelines, designed with the aim of providing a clear and consistent framework to prepare students for college and the workforce. These standards focus on mathematics and English language arts/literacy. They stress not just content knowledge but also the skills needed for students to access higher levels of education and compete in a global economy. Think of them as a ladder, each rung propelling students toward greater understanding and competence in these key areas.

6th Grade Speaking & Listening Standards

For 6th graders, the Speaking & Listening Standards under the CCSS focus on developing students’ communication skills to a new level of complexity. Students are encouraged to engage in rich, structured conversations, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively. They should learn to:

• Comprehend and collaborate: Participate in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners, following rules for collegial discussions, and decision-making. They listen to others, ask thoughtful questions, and elaborate on their points with relevant information.
• Interpret information presented: Understand and critically analyze information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.
• Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence: By the end of the year, students will be able to decipher a speaker’s argument and specific claims, assess the reasoning and evidence behind these claims, and identify any fallacious reasoning or exaggerated or distorted evidence.
• Present information effectively: Students learn to present claims and findings in a coherent, well-organized manner, with relevant evidence, sound reasoning, and well-chosen details. They develop skills in using appropriate eye contact, volume, and pronunciation, enhancing their message with strategic use of digital media.

By mastering these standards, 6th graders learn not just to communicate effectively but also to listen critically, setting a strong foundation for academic and social success.

What Does a 6th Grader at Proficiency Look Like in Speaking & Listening?

🎤 Picture this: Your classroom is abuzz with lively discussion, and amidst that buzz, there’s that one 6th-grader who stands out. The one who seems to truly grasp the fine art of communication according to the Common Core State Standards for Speaking and Listening.

🗣️ Engaging in Discussions

This student doesn’t shy away from discussions, whether it’s a whole-class debate or a small group brainstorm. They listen attentively, wait for their turn, and when they speak, their points are clear and reasoned. Imagine the class discussing the pros and cons of school uniforms, and this student offers, “I think uniforms may limit personal expression, which is important for developing our individuality…”

🤔 Critical Listening & Reflective Responses

When classmates share ideas, this 6th grader listens closely, not just waiting to talk but truly understanding. They respond with thoughtful comments that build on what others have said, perhaps adding, “I see your point about expression, but could uniforms help reduce bullying related to clothes?”

🎥 Presenting Information

Given a project on Ancient Egypt, they can stand in front of the class and share what they’ve learned with confidence. They use a clear voice, maintain eye contact, and maybe even incorporate a PowerPoint with visuals that engage their audience. They don’t just read from a slide; they make the information come alive.

📚 Incorporating Media and Visual Displays

This student understands the power of visuals and media to enhance their presentations. When discussing their favorite book, they might bring in a poster they created that diagrams the story’s plot, or they show a video they made that highlights the book’s main themes and settings, demonstrating an adept use of technology to support their viewpoint.

🤼‍♂️ Working Collaboratively

During group projects, this student exemplifies teamwork. They listen to their peers’ ideas, suggest compromises when disagreements arise, and help delegate tasks based on team members’ strengths. Their group’s project on renewable energy sources not only meets the requirements but showcases every member’s contribution and learning.

💡 Expressing Ideas Clearly

Whether it’s explaining their answer to a math problem, or arguing a position in a social studies debate, their communication is structured and clear. They make a claim, support it with evidence, and explain their reasoning in a way that’s accessible to their peers.

Imagine this: In a world where communication is key, your 6th-grade class hosts a proficient speaker and listener who not only shares and absorbs information effectively but does so with respect and consideration for the vibrant tapestry of voices in the room. That’s the hallmark of meeting the Speaking & Listening Standards at a proficient level in the 6th grade.

Standard 1: Engage Effectively in a Range of Collaborative Discussions

Objective:

Students will effectively participate in varied group discussions, follow norms for discussion, acknowledge and build on others’ ideas, and articulate their own ideas clearly.

Example Assessment:

• Collaborative Group Project: Divide students into small groups. Assign a topic related to a current lesson or real-world issue. Each group discusses the topic and prepares a short presentation outlining their collective viewpoints or solutions.

Assessment Rubric:

Lesson Plan for Standard 1:

Objective: Enhance the ability to engage effectively in group discussions, acknowledging and building upon others’ ideas.

Materials Needed: Topic cards, timer, discussion norms chart.

Activity Overview:

1. Introduction (5 minutes): Explain the importance of engaging in discussions, introducing the discussion norms chart.
2. Group Formation (5 minutes): Divide students into small groups and distribute topic cards.
3. Guided Practice (15 minutes): Each group reads their topic and begins a timed discussion, practicing acknowledging others’ input and building upon it.
4. Discussion and Feedback (20 minutes): Groups present a summary of their discussion to the class. Peers and teacher provide feedback based on the rubric.
5. Closure (5 minutes): Reinforce the value of collaborative discussion and the skills practiced today.

Additional Work: Assign students to lead a classroom discussion on a topic of their choosing, emphasizing the application of today’s skills.

Standard 2: Interpret Information Presented in Diverse Media and Formats

Objective:

Students will critically analyze and interpret information presented in various media and formats, explaining how information contributes to the topic, text, or issue under study.

Example Assessment:

• Media Analysis Presentation: After viewing a documentary, students prepare a presentation that explains how the media format influences understanding of the topic and identifies key pieces of information that contribute to their comprehension.

Assessment Rubric:

Lesson Plan for Standard 2:

Objective: Develop the ability to interpret and analyze information across diverse media effectively.

Materials Needed: Selected documentary or media piece, presentation tools.

Activity Overview:

1. Introduction (10 minutes): Discuss the importance of interpreting information from diverse media and formats. Introduce the documentary or media piece.
2. Watch and Note-Take (30 minutes): Students view the selected media, taking notes on how the format presents and influences their understanding of information.
3. Group Discussion (10 minutes): In groups, students share their observations and insights about the media’s presentation.
4. Presentation Preparation (20 minutes): Students prepare a short presentation on their analysis.
5. Presentations and Feedback (30 minutes): Students deliver their presentations. Provide feedback guided by the rubric.

Additional Work: Have students select a media piece of their choosing to analyze as homework, applying the skills learned.

Standard 3: Present Claims and Findings, Emphasizing Salient Points

Objective:

Students will effectively present claims and findings, emphasizing the most important points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence and well-chosen details.

Example Assessment:

• Research Presentation: Students conduct research on a chosen topic, then present their findings, emphasizing the key points and supporting their claims with evidence.

Assessment Rubric:

Lesson Plan for Standard 3:

Objective: Enhance students’ ability to present claims and findings clearly and persuasively.

Materials Needed: Research resources, presentation tools, peer-feedback forms.

Activity Overview:

1. Introduction (10 minutes): Introduce the concept of presenting claims and findings, including the importance of emphasizing salient points.
2. Research Phase (30 minutes): Guide students in selecting topics and beginning their research. Provide pointers for identifying key points.
3. Presentation Creation (20 minutes): Students use their research to create a presentation, focusing on clarity, coherence, and emphasizing key points.
4. Peer Review (20 minutes): In pairs, students exchange presentations for feedback on clarity, organization, and emphasis based on the rubric.
5. Presentations and Teacher Feedback (40 minutes): Students present their research to the class. Provide feedback and grade based on the rubric.

Additional Work: For homework, ask students to revise their presentation based on feedback and prepare a written summary of their research emphasizing key findings.