Lesson Plan: Conducting Staff Interviews with Student-Created Questions
Subject: Reading
Grade: 4
Duration: 30 Minutes
Objectives
- Students will learn to construct thoughtful questions for interviews.
- Students will understand the process of conducting an interview.
- Students will improve their reading and comprehension skills by analyzing responses.
Materials Needed
- Whiteboard and markers
- Paper and pencils
- Examples of interview questions (printed or displayed)
- Handouts with roles and responsibilities during the interview
Introduction (5 Minutes)
Begin the lesson by discussing what an interview is and its purpose. Explain that interviews are a way to gather information from people. Highlight the importance of asking the right questions to get meaningful answers.
Warm-Up Activity (5 Minutes)
Engage students by asking them about any interviews they have seen on TV or conducted themselves. Ask the following questions:
- Who was being interviewed?
- What questions were asked?
- What types of answers were given?
Main Activity (15 Minutes)
Step 1: Discuss Question Creation (5 Minutes)
- On the whiteboard, brainstorm with students what makes a good interview question. Promote critical thinking by discussing:
- Open-ended vs. Closed questions
- The importance of clarity and relevance
Step 2: Group Work (10 Minutes)
- Divide the class into small groups (3-4 students each).
- Assign each group a staff member (real or fictional) they would like to interview (e.g., librarian, principal, janitor).
- Each group will brainstorm and write down 5-7 questions they want to ask their assigned staff member. Encourage creativity and thoughtfulness in their questions.
- Circulate among groups to offer guidance and feedback.
Conclusion (5 Minutes)
- Invite one group to share their questions with the class. Discuss how they would expect the staff member to respond.
- Summarize the key points learned during the lesson about creating and conducting interviews.
Optional Homework
For homework, ask students to conduct a short interview with a family member or friend using the skills learned in class. They should write down their questions and the answers they receive.
Assessment
- Observe student participation during group work.
- Review the questions created by each group for relevance and thoughtfulness.
- Evaluate the homework assignment based on their ability to conduct an interview.