Introduction

In conversations, it’s important to make connected comments to maintain the flow and ensure that everyone is engaged in the same topic. This skill is especially important for students in special education, as it helps them improve their social interactions and develop meaningful connections with others. In this blog post, we will discuss an easy no-prep activity that educators can use to teach students how to make connected comments and provide discussion questions to stimulate further conversation about this essential skill.

No-Prep Activity

The “Topic Train” is a simple activity that requires no preparation or materials. The goal is to help students practice making connected comments by keeping the conversation on track and ensuring everyone is talking about the same topic. Here’s how it works:

1. The educator starts by choosing a topic for the conversation (e.g., pets, sports, or a recent event).
2. Each student takes turns making a connected comment or asking a question related to the chosen topic.
3. If a student makes an unrelated comment, the educator gently reminds them to stay on the topic and provides an example of a connected comment.
4. The activity continues until everyone has made at least one connected comment and the conversation has naturally come to an end.

This activity not only helps students practice making connected comments but also encourages active listening and turn-taking during conversations.

Discussion Questions

After completing the “Topic Train” activity, engage your students in a discussion about making connected comments using the following questions:

1. Why is it important to make connected comments during a conversation?
2. How does making connected comments help us build better relationships with others?
3. What strategies can you use to ensure your comments are connected to the topic being discussed?
4. How do you feel when someone makes an unrelated comment during a conversation?
5. Can you share an example of a time when you made a connected comment in a conversation? How did it help the conversation?

Related Skills

Making connected comments is just one aspect of effective communication and social skills. Other related skills that students can benefit from include:

• Active listening: Paying attention to what others are saying and responding appropriately.
• Turn-taking: Knowing when it’s your turn to speak and allowing others to have their turn.
• Non-verbal communication: Understanding and using body language, facial expressions, and gestures to convey meaning.
• Empathy: Recognizing and understanding the feelings of others during conversations.

Next Steps

To further explore the skill of making connected comments and other essential social-emotional learning concepts, we encourage you to sign up for free samples at Everyday Speech. These sample materials will provide you with additional resources and activities to support your students in developing strong communication and social skills.