If you're unfamiliar with the CASEL framework, we highly recommend reading this article first, as it will greatly enhance your understanding of soft skills.
Check it out here.
Introduction to Wording Ideas:
Wording Ideas refers to the skill of articulating thoughts, concepts, or emotions in a clear, effective, and creative manner. It's about finding the right words to express what's in one's mind, whether it's for communicating complex ideas, storytelling, or expressing feelings. This skill is vital for learners as they navigate learning environments and social interactions, helping them to share their thoughts and understandings in a meaningful way.
Core Area of Competence:
Wording Ideas is mainly associated with the following CASEL core areas of competence:
Self-Management: Manage and express one's emotions, thoughts, impulses and stress in constructive ways.
Relationship Management: Communicate and interact effectively.
Core Behaviors that require the Wording Ideas skill:
6-8 Years:
Self-Management:
Expressing Emotions: Learners learn to describe their feelings using a limited but effective vocabulary.
Example: A learner explains they're not just sad but disappointed because a friend couldn't come over as planned.
Relationship Management:
Basic Communication: Developing simple yet effective ways to share ideas and feelings.
Example: A learner tells a story about their weekend using descriptive words, making the story engaging and clear to their classmates.
9-11 Years:
Self-Management:
Complex Emotional Expression: Using broader language to describe emotions and thoughts, not only in a family setting but also in the school setting.
Example: After losing a close soccer game, a learner explains to their coach not just their disappointment, but also their determination to practice harder, recognizing areas for personal improvement and expressing hope for future games.
Relationship Management:
Persuasive Communication: Beginning to use language to explain in more depth ideas and thoughts.
Example: A learner writes a persuasive letter to their parents explaining why they should have a later bedtime, using logical arguments and expressing their desires clearly.
12-14 Years:
Self-Management:
Advanced Expression: Using broader vocabulary, and enhanced language skills to express nuanced thoughts and emotions.
Example: A teenage learner explains the rollercoaster of emotions felt during the first performance in the school play, detailing the nervous anticipation beforehand and the exhilarating sense of achievement afterward, effectively painting a vivid emotional landscape for the listener.
Relationship Management:
Effective Debate and Discussion: Utilizing well-chosen words to participate in debates, showing the ability to clearly articulate points and counterpoints.
Example: During a classroom debate, a learner uses precise language and carefully selected examples to support their argument, making their stance compelling and understandable.
15-17 Years:
Self-Management:
Sophisticated Expression: Articulation of complex vocabulary to express ideas, thoughts and emotions in diverse situations.
Example: A high school learner discusses their feelings about an upcoming family move, carefully explaining the excitement for new opportunities while also acknowledging sadness about leaving friends behind. They use detailed descriptions to share their hopes and fears, making their internal conflict understandable to their family.
Relationship Management:
Influential Communication: Employing articulate and impactful language in their relationships (Family, School, Friends etc).
Example: In a group project meeting, a learner thoughtfully addresses differing opinions on the project's direction. They articulate a compelling compromise that integrates various ideas, demonstrating how to use language effectively to unite the group and move forward constructively.
Promoting the Wording Ideas skill:
For Parents and Care Givers:
Encourage reading and storytelling to expand vocabulary and exposure to different ways of expressing ideas.
Engage in discussions that prompt children to explain their thoughts and feelings in detail, asking probing questions that require more than yes/no answers.
Model clear and expressive communication in your daily interactions, highlighting the importance of choosing words thoughtfully.
For Tutors:
Incorporate writing and speaking assignments that challenge learners to articulate their thoughts clearly and creatively.
Provide feedback that focuses on the effectiveness of their word choices and the clarity of their ideas.
Foster a classroom environment that values open discussion and the sharing of ideas, encouraging learners to express themselves freely and confidently.
Organize activities that involve storytelling, debate, and presentations, offering learners multiple platforms to practice and refine their wording skills.
Highlight examples of effective communication from literature, speeches, and media, analyzing the choice of words and their impact on the audience.
Feedback and Reflection:
After writing assignments or presentations, provide specific feedback on the learner’s choice of words, praising creativity and suggesting alternatives where messages could be clearer or more impactful.
Encourage learners to reflect on their communication efforts, asking them to consider questions like, "How effectively do you think you communicated your ideas?" and "What words could you have chosen to make your argument stronger or clearer?"
Facilitate goal-setting sessions focused on communication objectives, such as expanding vocabulary, using more descriptive language, or improving public speaking skills, and review progress regularly.
Additional Resources:
Watch this video to discover three strategies on how to express your thoughts clearly.
Watch this TedTalk to improve your power in speaking your ideas purposefully.
Read seven tips on how to articulate your ideas.
Conclusion:
Developing the skill of wording ideas is crucial for effective communication and self-expression. Through the strategic cultivation of this skill, individuals can enhance their ability to convey thoughts, influence others, and navigate social interactions with confidence. Parents, caregivers, and tutors play a pivotal role in supporting learners to explore and expand their expressive capabilities, laying the groundwork for successful personal and professional relationships.
References:
Dobinson, K. L., & Dockrell, J. E. (2021). Universal strategies for the improvement of expressive language skills in the primary classroom: A systematic review. First Language, 41(5), 527-554.
Ramsook, K. A., Welsh, J. A., & Bierman, K. L. (2020). What you say, and how you say it: Preschoolers' growth in vocabulary and communication skills differentially predict kindergarten academic achievement and self-regulation. Social development (Oxford, England), 29(3), 783–800.
Riad, R., Allodi, M. W., Siljehag, E., & Bölte, S. (2023, May). Language skills and well-being in early childhood education and care: a cross-sectional exploration in a Swedish context. In Frontiers in Education (Vol. 8, p. 963180). Frontiers.
Rodríguez, G. L. A. (2017). Students’ language skills development through short stories. Íkala, revista de lenguaje y cultura, 22(1), 103-118.
Senel, M., & Bagçeci, B. (2019). Development of Creative Thinking Skills of Students Through Journal Writing. International Journal of Progressive Education, 15(5), 216-237.
Tavsanli, O. F., & Bulunuz, M. (2017). The development of the written expression skills of a first grade student at home, school and university program: A case study. European Journal of Education Studies.