Introduction

Conversation sharing skills are essential in special education to promote positive social interactions and foster effective communication among students. Developing these skills can significantly impact their learning, social wellbeing, and overall growth.

Understanding Conversation Sharing Skills

Conversation sharing is the ability to engage in balanced, back-and-forth communication with others. It involves taking turns, listening actively, and maintaining appropriate comment lengths. This skill is crucial for students’ social interactions, as it helps them develop strong relationships, enhances their ability to express themselves, and fosters a sense of belonging.

The Role of Specialists

Various specialists play a vital role in supporting the development of conversation sharing skills in elementary students:

• Speech-Language Pathologists can help students improve their verbal and non-verbal communication abilities and provide strategies for taking turns in conversations.
• Social Workers can assist students in understanding social expectations and norms, facilitating peer interactions, and promoting positive communication habits.
• Psychologists can offer guidance on developing social skills, managing emotions, and enhancing self-awareness during conversations.
• School Counselors can support students in building healthy relationships, resolving conflicts, and improving overall communication skills.

IEP Goals for Conversation Sharing Skills

Here are some SMART IEP goals that can be used to improve conversation sharing skills in elementary students:

1. Goal: The student will engage in a balanced conversation with peers by taking turns speaking and listening 80% of the time during structured activities.
• Strategy: Use visual aids to represent the flow of conversation and guide the student in taking turns.
• Activity: Role-play conversations with the student and provide feedback on their turn-taking skills.
2. Goal: The student will maintain appropriate comment lengths in conversations with peers, matching their partner’s comment length 80% of the time during group activities.
• Strategy: Teach the student to use a visual timer or count words to monitor the length of their comments.
• Activity: Practice conversation skills in small groups, focusing on maintaining balanced comment lengths.

Implementing and Measuring Progress

To effectively implement these IEP goals and measure progress, consider the following tips:

• Collaborate with specialists to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the student’s unique needs.
• Monitor the student’s progress regularly through observations, data collection, and feedback from team members.
• Adjust goals and strategies as needed to ensure continued growth and development in conversation sharing skills.

Conclusion

Developing conversation sharing skills in elementary students is crucial for their social wellbeing and academic success. By implementing these IEP goals and working closely with specialists, educators can support students in building strong communication abilities. For additional resources, explore Everyday Speech Sample Materials and continue to enhance your students’ conversation sharing skills.