Conversation in the Classroom
By Dr Charles Margerison, Psychologist and Founder, Can Do Kids Worldwide
The ability to converse confidently and respectfully is one of the most important skills students can develop. It is the foundation for learning, teamwork, friendship and future professional success.
In today’s connected world, where communication happens across borders and cultures, young people need to learn how to listen, ask questions and express ideas clearly. This is often referred to as the skill of oracy. These skills can be taught and practised — and that’s exactly what we do through the Can Do Kids Band.
Learning Through Conversation
At www.candokidsworldwide.com, we help primary students strengthen their communication and intercultural understanding through interactive learning experiences.
Students are invited to discuss their own country, their family traditions and what makes their community special. Then, they explore other countries and cultures through videos, stories, songs and classroom conversations led by five virtual teenage musicians — The Can Do Kids Band.
Meet the Band
- Ace, the dynamic drummer from South Africa
- Amy, the versatile vocalist from the USA
- Ravi, the cool bass guitarist from India
- Lin, the creative keyboard wizard from China
- Oz, the energetic lead guitarist from Australia
Together, the band tours countries such as Brazil, France, Japan, Canada and Spain, sharing music, stories and insights about the people and places they visit.
These virtual journeys inspire students to talk about:
- What life is like in other countries.
- The traditions, festivals, food and art that make each culture unique.
- How people in different parts of the world learn, work and celebrate.
- What we can learn about respect, kindness and teamwork from others.
Learning Objectives
Through Conversation in the Classroom, students will:
- Develop confidence in speaking, listening and presenting ideas.
- Build vocabulary related to culture, geography and social interaction.
- Practise teamwork and creative thinking through discussion.
- Appreciate cultural diversity and global citizenship.
- Strengthen empathy, curiosity and communication skills.
Sample Lesson: A Virtual Visit to Spain
This lesson demonstrates how teachers can utilise the Can Do Kids platform to bring conversations to life in the classroom.
Website: www.candokidsworldwide.com
Topic: A Virtual Visit to Spain
Duration: 45–50 minutes
1. Introduction (5 minutes)
The teacher introduces the session using the principle of Explainology — explaining that students will watch a short video guided by the Can Do Kids Band.
Students learn that they will discover key aspects of Spain’s traditions, geography, history, language, music, dance, food and communities.
2. Video (5 minutes)
Students watch a 5-minute interactive video where the Can Do Kids Band explores Spain — performing music, visiting famous landmarks and meeting local people.
3. Group Discussion (15 minutes)
Students form trios or quartets to create a travel plan.
They discuss:
What they would like to see and do in Spain.
Which Spanish traditions or places interest them most.
What music, food and culture they would like to experience.
4. Presentations (15 minutes)
Each group develops their presentation skills by sharing their travel plans with the class.
They may include short role-plays, drawings or simple slides describing their chosen Spanish adventure.
5. Review (10 minutes)
The teacher provides feedback on students’ communication skills, highlighting good listening, teamwork and clear speaking and offers additional insights about Spain’s culture and history.
Conclusion
When students learn to communicate with understanding and respect, they gain more than language skills — they gain the ability to connect, collaborate and contribute to a better world.
That is the purpose of Conversation in the Classroom — helping every child discover that they can do great things through listening, learning and sharing their voice at www.candokidsworldwide.com.