Introduction

As educators, it is important to teach students about the distinction between public and private topics and how to discuss them appropriately. This concept is a crucial aspect of Social-Emotional Learning, as it helps children develop a better understanding of social norms and expectations. In this blog post, we will explore an engaging no-prep activity for elementary students that focuses on discussing appropriate topics in public and private settings. We will also provide discussion questions, related skills, and next steps for educators to further support their students’ development of this important life skill.

No-Prep Activity

This activity, called “Public vs. Private: Topic Sorting”, requires no preparation or materials from the educator. The goal is to help students understand the difference between public and private topics and learn to navigate these conversations appropriately.

1. Ask students to sit in a circle and explain that you will be discussing the difference between public and private topics.
2. Provide a few examples of public and private topics to help students understand the concept. For instance, public topics could include the weather, favorite movies, or a recent school event. Private topics might include personal hygiene, family matters, or personal feelings.
3. Now, ask students to take turns sharing a topic they think is either public or private. Encourage them to explain why they believe the topic falls into that category.
4. As each student shares, engage the rest of the class by asking if they agree or disagree with the student’s categorization and why.
5. Continue the activity until each student has had a chance to share at least one topic.

Discussion Questions

After completing the activity, use these questions to stimulate further discussion:

• Why is it important to understand the difference between public and private topics?
• How can you tell if a topic is public or private?
• What are some strategies you can use to help you remember to discuss appropriate topics in public and private settings?
• How did you feel when you heard someone share a private topic in a public setting? How do you think others might feel?
• Can you think of any situations where a topic might be both public and private, depending on the context? How would you handle such situations?

Related Skills

In addition to understanding the difference between public and private topics, there are several other related skills that can help students develop a strong foundation in social-emotional learning. Some of these skills include:

• Active listening: Encouraging students to listen carefully to their peers and respond thoughtfully can help them better understand social norms and expectations.
• Empathy: Teaching students to put themselves in another person’s shoes can help them become more aware of how their words and actions affect others.
• Self-awareness: Helping students recognize their own thoughts and feelings, and understanding how they can influence their behavior, is an essential aspect of social-emotional learning.
• Assertiveness: Encouraging students to express their needs and desires respectfully can help them navigate social situations more effectively.

Next Steps

Now that you have learned about the importance of discussing appropriate topics in public and private settings and explored an engaging no-prep activity for elementary students, we encourage you to continue incorporating these concepts into your teaching. To access free samples of skill-building materials and other resources to support your students’ social-emotional learning journey, sign up at Everyday Speech Sample Materials.