Introducing Repair the Conversation, a game designed to help students develop effective communication skills and enhance their social-emotional learning. This activity encourages students to analyze conversations, identify where they went off track, and find ways to get them back on track. Let’s explore the steps, a no-prep activity, discussion questions, related skills, and how to access more resources.

Introduction

Repair the Conversation is a social-emotional learning activity that helps students understand the dynamics of effective communication. By analyzing conversations and identifying where they went off track, students learn to recognize the signs of miscommunication, empathize with others, and develop strategies to maintain a smooth conversation flow. The game consists of the following steps:

1. Realize the conversation is off track and identify the signs.
2. Figure out where it went off track.
3. Think of a way to get it back on track and running smoothly.

Throughout the game, students can pause and discuss their feelings, fostering a supportive and empathetic environment.

No-Prep Activity

For this no-prep activity, split the class into pairs or small groups. Assign each group a conversation scenario, either real or fictional. The students should read and analyze the conversation, following the steps of Repair the Conversation:

1. Identify the signs that the conversation is off track.
2. Determine where it went off track.
3. Discuss how to get the conversation back on track.

After each group has completed the activity, have them present their findings to the class and discuss the strategies they used to repair the conversation.

Discussion Questions

1. What are some common signs that a conversation is off track? How can we recognize them?
2. Why is it important to empathize with others during a conversation? How does it contribute to effective communication?
3. What are some strategies for getting a conversation back on track? How can we apply them in different situations?
4. How can we create a supportive environment for open and honest communication?
5. Why is it important to discuss our feelings during a conversation? How does it help to resolve misunderstandings?

Related Skills

Besides effective communication, Repair the Conversation helps students develop other essential social-emotional skills, such as:

• Active listening
• Empathy
• Conflict resolution
• Assertiveness
• Self-awareness

Next Steps

Interested in exploring more social-emotional learning activities like Repair the Conversation? Sign up for free samples of this skill and others at Everyday Speech. You’ll find a wealth of resources designed to help educators foster a supportive and empathetic learning environment for their students.