Introduction

Joining a group of friends or classmates can be a daunting task for elementary students. It is essential for them to learn how to approach and engage with a group respectfully without disrupting ongoing conversations or activities. This skill is an integral part of Social-Emotional Learning, as it promotes healthy social interactions and fosters positive relationships. In this blog post, we will discuss a no-prep activity that educators can use to teach students the art of joining a group, as well as provide discussion questions to encourage further exploration of this important skill.

No-Prep Activity

This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator. Begin by having students form small groups of 3-4 participants. Choose one student from each group to act as an observer. The remaining students will engage in a conversation about a predetermined topic, such as their favorite hobbies or a recent school event. After a minute or two, instruct the observer to join the group. The observer should attempt to join the conversation without interrupting or disrupting the flow of the discussion.

Once the observer has successfully joined the group, have the students switch roles, allowing each student to practice joining a group and observing others. Repeat this process until all students have had the opportunity to practice joining a group and observing their peers.

Discussion Questions

1. How did it feel to join a group without interrupting the conversation? What strategies did you use to engage with the group respectfully?
2. As an observer, what behaviors did you notice in others that were helpful or disruptive when joining a group? How can we learn from these observations?
3. Why is it important to be respectful when joining a group? How can this skill contribute to building positive relationships with our peers?
4. Can you think of a situation where you joined a group and it didn’t go as smoothly as you hoped? What could you have done differently in that situation?
5. How can we support our peers when they are trying to join a group? What can we do to make them feel welcome and included?

Related Skills

Teaching students the art of joining a group respectfully also helps develop other important Social-Emotional Learning skills, such as active listening, empathy, and effective communication. These skills are essential in fostering positive relationships and promoting a supportive learning environment for all students.

Next Steps

To further support your students’ Social-Emotional Learning journey, we encourage you to explore the free sample materials available at Everyday Speech. These resources provide educators with a wealth of activities, videos, and lesson plans designed to promote the development of essential social skills in elementary students. Sign up today and discover the tools you need to help your students navigate the complexities of social interactions with confidence and grace.