As educators, we recognize the importance of teaching our students not only academic skills but also social-emotional learning skills that will help them navigate through life. One such skill is the ability to participate in conversations effectively. This blog post will explore a no-prep activity designed to help middle school students practice conversation skills, followed by discussion questions, related skills, and next steps to further improve their abilities.

Introduction

Developing conversation skills is crucial for middle school students, as it enables them to build relationships, express their thoughts and feelings, and collaborate with others. By learning how to take turns, ask questions, and make comments during a conversation, students can become more effective communicators and better understand the perspectives of others.

No-Prep Activity

This no-prep activity, called “Conversation Ping-Pong,” requires no materials or preparation from the educator. It aims to help students practice taking turns, making comments, and asking questions during a conversation.

1. Divide the class into pairs.
2. Ask students to choose a topic or provide a list of topics for them to select from.
3. Explain the rules of the activity: Each student must take turns making a comment or asking a question related to the chosen topic. The conversation should flow back and forth like a game of ping-pong.
4. Give the students a set amount of time (e.g., 5 minutes) to engage in the activity.
5. After the time is up, bring the class back together and discuss the experience. Encourage students to share what they learned from the activity and how they can apply these skills in their everyday lives.

Discussion Questions

After the activity, use these questions to stimulate further discussions about conversation skills:

1. What strategies did you use to keep the conversation going?
2. How did you feel when your partner made a comment or asked a question?
3. Were there any challenges you faced during the activity? How did you overcome them?
4. How can practicing conversation skills help you in your relationships and interactions with others?
5. What other strategies can you use to improve your conversation skills?

Related Skills

Effective conversation skills are closely related to other social-emotional learning skills, including:

• Active listening: Paying close attention to what the other person is saying and demonstrating understanding through verbal and non-verbal cues.
• Empathy: Putting oneself in another person’s shoes and understanding their feelings and perspectives.
• Conflict resolution: Addressing disagreements and finding solutions that meet the needs of all parties involved.
• Assertiveness: Expressing one’s thoughts and feelings in a respectful and confident manner.

Next Steps

To further support your students’ development of conversation skills and other social-emotional learning competencies, consider exploring additional resources and materials. Sign up for free samples at Everyday Speech to access valuable materials that can help you create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for your students.