Teaching turn-taking in conversations is a crucial part of developing social communication skills. Everyday Speech’s Social Communication Winter Activity, Turn and Talk Snow Globes, provides a creative and engaging way for students to practice this skill while embracing the winter season. This hands-on activity not only enhances communication but also fosters collaboration and creativity.
Elementary Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) will love how this festive craft combines communication practice with meaningful interaction, making it the perfect addition to any winter-themed lesson plan.
Why Turn-Taking Matters
Turn-taking is an essential conversation skill, teaching students how to listen, wait, and respond thoughtfully. For students with social communication challenges, this skill can be particularly difficult. Practicing turn-taking in a structured, supportive environment builds confidence and reinforces positive interaction habits.
The Social Communication Winter Activity makes this practice fun and seasonal, helping students connect with their peers while building communication skills.
How the Turn and Talk Snow Globes Activity Works
This activity allows students to create their own snow globes, then share their ideas with classmates. It combines a tactile craft with guided speech practice, ensuring that students stay engaged while learning.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Create the Snow Globe
Students color and decorate winter-themed items, cut them out, and assemble them into their snow globes. - Write a Sentence Starter
Inside the snow globe, students complete the sentence: “If I lived in a snow globe…” This encourages creativity and reflection. - Turn and Talk
Students pair up and take turns sharing their snow globe ideas. Each student practices active listening and responding appropriately. - Reflect as a Group
Bring the class together to discuss their snow globe creations and what they learned from their peers.
Benefits of the Activity
The Turn and Talk Snow Globes activity goes beyond crafting—it’s a tool for meaningful communication practice.
Skill Development:
- Turn-Taking: Students practice waiting for their turn to speak and responding thoughtfully.
- Active Listening: Listening to a classmate’s response builds empathy and understanding.
- Expressive Language: Writing and sharing ideas strengthens verbal communication skills.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL):
- Empathy: Students connect with peers by learning about their unique snow globe ideas.
- Confidence: Sharing their work in a safe environment builds self-assurance.
- Collaboration: The group discussion fosters teamwork and a sense of community.
Creative Expression:
Students enjoy designing their snow globes, which allows them to personalize the activity and take pride in their work.
Tips for Using This Activity in Speech Sessions
The Social Communication Winter Activity is versatile and easy to adapt for different classroom settings or therapy goals.
- Model Turn-Taking
Begin by demonstrating how to take turns and actively listen. Use visual cues or timers if needed to support students who struggle with this skill. - Encourage Thoughtful Responses
Guide students to ask follow-up questions about their classmate’s snow globe. For example, “Why did you choose that design?” - Use Visual Supports
Create a visual reminder of the turn-taking process, such as a “speaker/listener” card system, to keep students on track. - Incorporate Group Reflection
After the activity, ask students how they felt about sharing and listening. Highlight the importance of respect and patience in conversations.
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Everyday Speech: Supporting Communication Growth
Everyday Speech’s resources are designed to help SLPs teach essential communication skills in engaging, practical ways. The Turn and Talk Snow Globes activity is part of a broader library that includes video modeling lessons, interactive games, and visual tools for SEL development.
This winter-themed activity fits seamlessly into speech sessions, providing an enjoyable way to build conversation skills while celebrating the season.
Closing Thoughts
The holidays are a wonderful time to focus on kindness, connection, and communication. Everyday Speech’s Social Communication Winter Activity, Turn and Talk Snow Globes, brings these values to life in the classroom.
Through crafting and conversation, students practice turn-taking, active listening, and self-expression while building meaningful connections with peers. Add this fun and festive activity to your winter lesson plans and watch your students grow in confidence and communication!
Sample Video
Students learn best by watching others their same-age model the behavior! Check out a sample video modeling lesson below. We offer our entire Social-Emotional Learning platform free for 14 days here!
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