In today’s fast-paced world, effective communication is more important than ever. Educators play a crucial role in helping students develop strong communication skills, which in turn contribute to their overall social-emotional growth. One of the key aspects of communication is understanding and implementing Conversation Drivers. These are behaviors that drive or keep a conversation going, ensuring a positive and engaging experience for everyone involved.

Introduction

Conversation Drivers are essential skills that help students build meaningful connections with their peers and foster a sense of belonging. Some Conversation Drivers include:

• Using eye contact and body language to show interest and attentiveness.
• Making connected comments that relate back to the other person’s statements.
• Sharing the conversation equally by giving everyone a chance to speak and listen.

By incorporating Conversation Drivers into their interactions, students can create more enjoyable and engaging conversations, leading to better relationships and a more inclusive environment.

No-Prep Activity

One effective way to introduce Conversation Drivers to your students is by conducting a simple, no-prep activity. This activity, called “The Conversation Ball,” requires no additional materials and can be done in any classroom setting.

1. Have the students form a circle.
2. Select one student to begin the activity by sharing a topic or question they are interested in discussing.
3. The student then “passes” the imaginary conversation ball to another student in the circle.
4. The receiving student must respond by using a Conversation Driver (eye contact, connected comment, or sharing the conversation).
5. Continue passing the conversation ball around the circle, with each student practicing Conversation Drivers in their responses.

This activity allows students to practice and refine their communication skills in a fun, low-pressure environment.

Discussion Questions

After completing the no-prep activity, engage your students in a discussion to further explore the importance of Conversation Drivers. Here are some questions to stimulate deeper reflection:

1. How did using Conversation Drivers impact the flow and enjoyment of your conversations during the activity?
2. What challenges did you face when trying to incorporate Conversation Drivers into your responses?
3. How can practicing Conversation Drivers benefit your relationships with peers and teachers?
4. Can you think of a situation outside of the classroom where using Conversation Drivers could be helpful?
5. What strategies can you use to remind yourself to implement Conversation Drivers in your daily interactions?

Related Skills

In addition to Conversation Drivers, there are other important communication skills that students should develop. These include:

• Active listening: Paying close attention to the speaker and providing verbal and non-verbal feedback.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others to create deeper connections.
• Asking open-ended questions: Encouraging more detailed responses and fostering richer conversations.

Together, these skills form a strong foundation for effective communication and social-emotional growth.

Next Steps

Now that you have a better understanding of Conversation Drivers and their importance in social-emotional learning, take the next step in enhancing your students’ communication skills. Sign up for free samples of Conversation Driver activities and other related social-emotional learning resources at Everyday Speech. By incorporating these valuable tools into your curriculum, you can help your students build stronger relationships and create a more inclusive, supportive classroom environment.