Introduction
One of the most important aspects of social-emotional learning is effective communication. Elementary students often face situations where their brains become fixated on a single topic or question, which can lead to repetitive and potentially uncomfortable conversations. In this blog post, we will explore an engaging no-prep activity that teaches students the importance of staying calm during conversations and avoiding repetitive behavior, which can make others feel uncomfortable.
No-Prep Activity
This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator. Start by gathering your students in a circle and explain the concept of staying calm during conversations. Share the following scenario with the students:
Devin is really excited about a Monopoly game that will be played at an upcoming party. He keeps asking his friends Julie and Christine about the exact time, who’s playing, and their game pieces. Julie and Christine feel uncomfortable because Devin is repeating the same questions over and over, and they can’t talk about anything else.
Next, ask the students to take turns role-playing as Devin, Julie, and Christine. Encourage them to practice staying calm and focused during the conversation without fixating on the Monopoly game. After each role-play, discuss how the conversation went and what could be improved.
Discussion Questions
- How did Devin’s repetitive questions make Julie and Christine feel in the original scenario? How did their feelings change during the role-play?
- Why is it important to stay calm and avoid repeating the same questions or statements during a conversation?
- Can you think of a time when you were in a conversation where someone kept repeating themselves? How did it make you feel?
- What strategies can you use to stay calm and focused during a conversation?
- How can we help others feel more comfortable during conversations?
Related Skills
Besides staying calm during conversations, there are other relevant skills that students should develop to improve their social-emotional learning. These include:
- Active listening: Paying close attention to what others are saying and responding appropriately.
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
- Conflict resolution: Addressing disagreements in a constructive manner.
- Assertiveness: Expressing one’s thoughts and feelings in a respectful and confident manner.
Next Steps
Now that you’ve learned about this engaging no-prep activity and its benefits for improving communication skills, we encourage you to explore more resources and sample materials to support your students’ social-emotional learning. Sign up for free samples of these skills and others to help your students thrive in their social interactions and relationships.
