Communication Lesson Plan Grade 6: Author Presentation

This free communication lesson plan helps Grade 6 students practice effective speaking, listening, reading, and writing through an author research and presentation project. Students gather information, organize ideas, and communicate clearly to an audience, making it ideal for Middle School classrooms developing formal communication skills.

Overview

Students study a favorite author and communicate their findings to the class. The project combines research, writing, discussion, and oral presentation. Learners practice explaining ideas, summarizing information, asking questions, and responding to an audience. The focus of the unit is clear communication: selecting relevant details, organizing ideas logically, and presenting information confidently.

Subject Connections

Students strengthen reading comprehension by examining multiple works by the same author. Writing skills are used to organize information into paragraphs. Speaking and listening skills develop through presentations and peer questioning. Technology can be used for research and slide creation.

Learning Goals

• Communicate ideas clearly in speech and writing
• Summarize information from multiple sources
• Organize ideas into logical sections
• Present information to an audience
• Ask and answer questions respectfully

Materials

• Books by various authors
• Notebook or digital document
• Chart paper or whiteboard
• Research devices or library materials
• Presentation supplies (poster paper or slides)

Preparation

• Gather a selection of classroom and library books
• Prepare a simple note-taking template
• Set up a presentation schedule

Teaching Procedure

Each session fits a standard class period of 45–50 minutes. The project runs approximately 1–2 weeks.

Session 1 – What Makes Communication Clear?

1. Teacher models a short talk about a familiar topic and intentionally gives an unclear explanation first, then a clear explanation. Students identify differences and list qualities of effective communication.
2. Activity: Teacher tells students they will become “information speakers.” Using scrap paper and pencils, each student explains how to do a simple task (such as making a sandwich) to a partner. The partner must follow directions exactly and then explain what was confusing. Students demonstrate understanding by revising their directions and presenting them again.
3. Teacher introduces the author project and explains that students will communicate information about a writer to an audience.

Session 2 – Choosing and Researching an Author

1. Students browse books and select an author who has written at least two titles they can access.
2. Teacher demonstrates how to record notes using headings: author background, books written, themes, and personal reactions.
3. Students begin research using books and approved information sources and record notes in their notebooks.

Session 3 – Organizing Ideas

1. Teacher models turning notes into paragraphs on the board, showing topic sentence and supporting details.
2. Students draft a written report explaining who the author is, what they wrote, and what patterns they notice in the works.
3. Students exchange drafts with a partner and identify one clear strength and one area needing clarification.

Session 4 – Preparing a Presentation

1. Teacher demonstrates how to speak to an audience: eye contact, volume, pacing, and posture.
2. Activity: Teacher provides poster paper or slides and markers. Students create a visual presentation including author name, important works, and one favorite book. Students physically design visuals and practice presenting aloud to a partner, who checks for clarity and completeness.
3. Students revise presentations based on partner feedback.

Session 5 – Presenting and Listening

1. Students present their author to the class. Teacher records key ideas shared by each student.
2. After each presentation, classmates ask one question and the presenter responds clearly.
3. Students write a brief reflection identifying one presenter who communicated especially clearly and explain why.

Assessment

Assessment is based on clarity of explanation, organization of ideas, completeness of information, and ability to answer questions. Teacher observation and the final presentation provide evidence of communication skills.

Differentiation

• Provide structured sentence starters for students needing support
• Allow recorded presentations for anxious speakers
• Challenge advanced students to compare two authors

Grade Adaptation

For Grades 4–5, shorten the research portion and focus on describing a favorite book. For Grades 7–8, require multiple sources, quotations, and a longer presentation including comparison of writing style.

Extension Ideas

• Create a classroom “recommended authors” display
• Hold a panel discussion where students debate favorite books
• Write a letter to an author describing the class response to their work