Let’s do some “Trash” Talking!
This activity is a great way to start off the new school year and address the speaking and
listening standards for the Common Core.
When introducing the activity, I model how the final product will look and I teach the basic
public speaking skills. I also provide each student with a brown paper lunch bag. A pack of 50
bags usually costs about a dollar.
The students will have a fun time learning about their classmates while they are applying
necessary Common Core Standards (SL 5, 6, 7, 8.4) skills.
If you used this free activity in your classroom, please take a moment to rate it and provide
feedback. Thank you!
Let’s Do Some “Trash” Talking!
Nah, not really. This activity is a get-to-know you activity that will allow students to learn about their
classmates; as well as, learn and practice important public speaking skills.
Each student will be given a “trash bag” to fill with five items that explains, describes, etc. something about
him/herself. For example, if I am an avid tennis player I would place a tennis ball in my bag. The items placed
in the bag should be small enough to fit in the bag. Be creative with your items and make your presentation
interesting.
Each student will take turns presenting their five items to the class. While presenting to the class, students
should exhibit the proper public speaking skills taught in class.
Presentations will begin ____________________. Students will be randomly selected to present their bag.
Grading Rubric:
Requirements:
Prepared
6
Student was
prepared. Speech was
obviously practiced.
Five items were
presented.
Eye Contact
Student made eye
contact with many
members of the
audience. Head
moved naturally
around room while
looking at audience.
Hands and Legs
Voice Quality
Speech
4
Student was
prepared. Speech did
not appear to be
practiced. Five items
were presented.
Student made eyes
contact with some of
the members of the
audience. Head only
moved in some
directions. Student
did not scan whole
room.
Students used hands
Students used hands
naturally to
but could have used
emphasize what
them more for
he/she was talking
effectiveness or hand
about. Legs were at
movements were
ease.
distracting. Legs were
at ease.
Voice was natural and Voice was natural and
projected so audience projected so audience
could hear what was
could hear some of
being spoken.
what was being
spoken.
Speech was organized Speech was
using proper format.
somewhat organized
using proper format.
2
Student was
prepared. Speech did
not appear to be
practiced. Less than
five items were
presented.
Student made eye
contact with few
members of audience
or did not look at
audience at all. Head
did not move to scan
room.
Student did not use
hands or over used
hands that caused a
distraction. Legs were
stiff.
Voice sounded forced
and audience had
trouble hearing what
the speaker was
saying.
Speech was not
organized.
Paper Bag Speech Organization:
Good Morning/Afternoon! My name is ____________________________. In this bag I have five items that represent
me.
The first/second/third, etc. item in my bag is a ________________________________. I placed this item in my bag
because _______________________________. (You should explain why the item is in your bag and share any stories
related to that item.)
As you can tell from the five items I have shared with you I am a _________ person. Thank you.
Student Name_________________________________________Date_____________________
Grading Rubric:
Requirements:
Prepared
6
Student was
prepared. Speech was
obviously practiced.
Five items were
presented.
Eye Contact
Student made eye
contact with many
members of the
audience. Head
moved naturally
around room while
looking at audience.
Hands and Legs
Voice Quality
Speech
4
Student was
prepared. Speech did
not appear to be
practiced. Five items
were presented.
Student made eyes
contact with some of
the members of the
audience. Head only
moved in some
directions. Student
did not scan whole
room.
Students used hands
Students used hands
naturally to
but could have used
emphasize what
them more for
he/she was talking
effectiveness or hand
about. Legs were at
movements were
ease.
distracting. Legs were
at ease.
Voice was natural and Voice was natural and
projected so audience projected so audience
could hear what was
could hear some of
being spoken.
what was being
spoken.
Speech was organized Speech was
using proper format.
somewhat organized
using proper format.
Total Points Earned __________/30
2
Student was
prepared. Speech did
not appear to be
practiced. Less than
five items were
presented.
Student made eye
contact with few
members of audience
or did not look at
audience at all. Head
did not move to scan
room.
Student did not use
hands or over used
hands that caused a
distraction. Legs were
stiff.
Voice sounded forced
and audience had
trouble hearing what
the speaker was
saying.
Speech was not
organized.