Introduction

In conversations, it’s crucial for students to learn how to talk about things that interest others. This not only helps build connections but also fosters a sense of empathy and understanding. By teaching students to pay attention to clues about what their friends like, we can help them improve their social interactions and develop better communication skills. This blog post will introduce an easy, no-prep activity to practice these skills, followed by discussion questions, related skills, and next steps.

No-Prep Activity

This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator. Begin by dividing students into pairs. Instruct them to take turns observing their partner for 30 seconds, looking for clues about their interests, such as clothing, accessories, or personal items. After the observation period, have each student share their findings with their partner and engage in a conversation based on these interests. Encourage students to ask open-ended questions and listen actively to their partner’s responses. This activity provides students with an opportunity to practice using clues to figure out what their friends like and engage in meaningful conversations.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to talk about things that interest others in a conversation?
2. What are some ways to identify the interests of others without directly asking them?
3. How can paying attention to clues help improve our conversations and relationships?
4. What are some challenges you might face when trying to figure out what someone else likes?
5. How can you overcome these challenges and continue to engage in meaningful conversations?

Related Skills

Along with discussing shared interests, there are other important social-emotional skills that can help students interact effectively with others. Some of these skills include:

• Active listening: Paying close attention to what the other person is saying and responding appropriately.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
• Non-verbal communication: Using body language, facial expressions, and gestures to convey meaning and emotions.
• Conflict resolution: Addressing and resolving disagreements in a constructive manner.

Next Steps

To further explore the skill of discussing shared interests and other essential social-emotional skills for students, we encourage you to sign up for free samples of our material at Everyday Speech. These resources will provide you with engaging and effective tools to help your students develop strong communication skills and enhance their social interactions.