Changing your tone can change the meaning of whatever it is you are trying to communicate. When teaching kindergarten students about the tone of a message, present a statement, such as “That’s awesome,” in various different ways -- first with excitement, then with sarcasm and then with indifference. Ask students how your tone changed the meaning each time. Let them practice with other phrases; for example: "How are you?” “I don't like candy.” “You saw elephants on a farm?”
A lesson on facial expressions might include a game of “Simon Says,” in which you would tell students to change their expressions to look happy, sad, angry, excited and scared. Next, choose another phrase -- such as “That’s my bike” -- and apply varying facial expressions and tones to demonstrate how they can change the meaning or interpretation of a sentence. Consider including a lesson on sign language as well, which relies heavily on facial expression to convey meaning since the same signs are used regardless of whether you are making a statement or asking a question. For example, teach your students to sign the sentence “I want cookies,” and demonstrate how facial expressions can alter meaning.
Explain how crossing arms might indicate that you are not open for new ideas or opinions, and how mirroring the stance of someone you're talking to can make that person feel comfortable. Next, stand close to one student while asking her about her favorite toy; then repeat the exercise with another student while standing noticeably further away. Discuss how space can affect the meaning of conversation, and how some people need more personal space to feel comfortable. Another way to teach this concept is by playing a game of charades. Have students act out activities while others guess what they are doing. Or by giving a thumbs up, blowing a kiss and giving a student a high-five. Even young children recognize and understand the meaning of these non-verbal messages.
Art -- poetry, music, painting, dance and drawing -- are all ways that people communicate. Provide students with samples of each art form from sources at their level. For example, the Young Poets website provides poetry written by children and teens from around the world, or you can share selections from “Miracles: Poems by Children of the English-Speaking World.” After providing examples and discussing what each of them means to the students, invite students to select an art form they would like to work in. You can provide a set of prompt options or allow students free choice to convey whatever message they like through their chosen form.
Sometimes, communication has nothing to do with what we say or paint, but everything to do with our actions. As an example, you can discuss with students what it means to actually say the words “I love you,” as opposed to the ways you can show someone you love them. Ask them which they believe holds more meaning. You can also use some role-playing scenarios, such as making new friends. Ask one student to pretend that you are a new kid in the class and tell them they should introduce themselves and ask if you would like to be their friend. The first time you act out this scenario, turn around and walk away without saying a word. Then, discuss what message this action sends. Then do the exercise again, but this time respond in a friendly way and shake the student’s hand. Discuss the difference between these actions with your students.