Introduction
Sharing is a fundamental concept that children learn from an early age. While sharing toys and games is essential, sharing in conversations is equally important. The Conversation Share skill involves taking turns in speaking, ensuring that everyone gets equal time to talk and keeping comments the same length. Teaching this skill to Kindergarten students can help them develop healthy communication habits, fostering positive relationships with their peers and educators.
No-Prep Activity: The Talking Ball Game
This fun, no-prep activity helps students practice the Conversation Share skill in a playful and engaging way. To play the Talking Ball Game, have the students sit in a circle. Explain that they will be passing a small, soft ball around the circle while taking turns talking. The person holding the ball gets to speak, and once they finish their turn, they should pass the ball to the next person. Encourage the students to keep their comments brief and to listen when it’s not their turn to talk.
You can start the game with a simple topic, such as “What is your favorite animal?” or “What did you do this weekend?” As the students become more comfortable with the activity, you can introduce more complex topics or let them choose their own. Remind the students to practice the Conversation Share skill by giving everyone the same amount of time to talk and taking turns listening and speaking.
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important to give everyone the same amount of time to talk during a conversation?
- How does it feel when someone else does all the talking and doesn’t let you speak?
- What can you do to make sure you are sharing the conversation equally with others?
- How can practicing the Conversation Share skill help you build better friendships?
- Can you think of a time when you used the Conversation Share skill effectively? How did it make you feel?
Related Skills
Along with the Conversation Share skill, there are other essential social-emotional learning skills that Kindergarten students can benefit from, such as:
- Active Listening: Teach students how to listen attentively, make eye contact, and show interest in what the speaker is saying.
- Empathy: Help students understand and share the feelings of others, enabling them to connect and support their peers.
- Respect: Encourage students to treat others with kindness and consideration, regardless of differences.
- Conflict Resolution: Guide students in learning how to address disagreements and find solutions that work for everyone involved.
Next Steps
The Conversation Share skill is an essential component of social-emotional learning for Kindergarten students. By teaching this skill, you are helping them build a strong foundation for effective communication and positive relationships. To access free samples of the Conversation Share skill and other related materials, visit Everyday Speech and sign up today. Equip yourself with valuable resources to support your students’ growth and development in social-emotional learning.
