Introduction
Conversation Share is a crucial social-emotional skill that helps students communicate effectively, build positive relationships, and develop empathy. By learning to share conversations, students can engage in meaningful exchanges with their peers and teachers, enhancing their ability to listen, understand, and respond appropriately. This blog post will provide educators with a no-prep activity, discussion questions, and related skills to help teach Conversation Share to elementary students.
No-Prep Activity: Conversation Catch
This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator. It is designed to help students practice Conversation Share in a fun, engaging way.
- Have students form pairs or small groups.
- Explain that they will be playing a game called “Conversation Catch,” which is like a game of catch but with words.
- Each student will take turns sharing a brief statement or story about a topic of their choice.
- After a student shares, their partner(s) will respond with a related statement or story.
- Encourage students to keep their statements and responses brief, so that everyone has an equal opportunity to share.
- Continue the game for a designated period of time, allowing students to practice taking turns, listening, and responding appropriately.
Discussion Questions
- How did it feel to share the conversation equally with your partner(s)?
- What challenges did you face while trying to keep your statements and responses brief?
- Why is it important to listen and respond to others during a conversation?
- How can practicing Conversation Share help you build better relationships with your peers and teachers?
- What strategies can you use to improve your Conversation Share skills?
Related Skills
Conversation Share is just one of many essential social-emotional skills that can benefit elementary students. Some other related skills include:
- Active Listening: Focusing on the speaker, understanding their message, and providing feedback.
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, and responding with care and support.
- Nonverbal Communication: Using facial expressions, gestures, and body language to convey meaning.
- Respectful Disagreements: Expressing differing opinions in a polite and constructive manner.
- Problem Solving: Working together to find solutions to challenges or conflicts.
Next Steps
To further support your students in developing Conversation Share and other social-emotional skills, consider signing up for free samples of these materials at Everyday Speech. These resources can enhance your teaching strategies and provide engaging, effective activities to help elementary students build strong communication and relationship skills.
