Introduction
Small talk is an essential social skill that helps middle school students connect with others. By engaging in short conversations with people they know, students can foster a sense of friendliness and create positive impressions. Small talk typically occurs in everyday settings, such as before school or at social events. One effective way to initiate small talk is by using the Two W’s: the Weather and the Weekend. In this blog post, we’ll explore a no-prep activity to practice small talk, thought-provoking discussion questions, and related social-emotional learning (SEL) skills for students.
No-Prep Activity
This activity, called “Speed Small Talk,” requires no preparation or materials from the educator. Have your students form two circles, one inside the other, with the students in the inner circle facing those in the outer circle. Explain that they will practice small talk using the Two W’s: the Weather and the Weekend. Set a timer for 2 minutes, and instruct students to engage in small talk with the person across from them. When the timer goes off, have the outer circle rotate one person to the right. Repeat this process 3-5 times, allowing students to practice small talk with multiple peers.
Discussion Questions
- Why is small talk important for building connections with others?
- How can using the Two W’s – Weather and Weekend – make it easier to engage in small talk?
- What are some other topics or strategies to start a small talk conversation?
- How does practicing small talk contribute to overall social-emotional learning?
- How can you improve your small talk skills outside of this activity?
Related Skills
Small talk is just one aspect of social-emotional learning. Other relevant skills for students include:
- Active listening: Paying attention and showing genuine interest in what the other person is saying during small talk.
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which can enhance the quality of small talk and deepen connections.
- Nonverbal communication: Using body language, facial expressions, and gestures to convey friendliness and interest during small talk.
- Conflict resolution: Applying effective communication skills, including small talk, to resolve disagreements and maintain positive relationships.
Next Steps
Now that you’ve learned about the importance of small talk and the Two W’s – Weather and Weekend – for middle school students, it’s time to take the next step in your social-emotional learning journey. Sign up for free samples of this skill and others to help your students develop strong connections and enhance their social-emotional well-being. The more practice they have, the more confident they’ll become in their ability to make small talk and build meaningful relationships.
