Introduction
As educators, we understand that our students have diverse interests and hobbies. It’s essential to teach them the importance of showing interest in others’ pursuits, even if they don’t share the same enthusiasm. By demonstrating active listening and empathy, students can foster positive relationships and prevent hurting their peers’ feelings. In this blog post, we will explore a no-prep activity, discussion questions, and related skills to help middle school students understand and practice showing interest in their classmates’ hobbies.
No-Prep Activity: “Hobby Swap”
In this simple, no-prep activity, students will practice active listening and showing interest in their peers’ hobbies. Pair students and have them take turns discussing their favorite hobbies for two minutes each. The listener’s task is to ask questions, make comments, and maintain eye contact to show genuine interest in their partner’s hobby. After both partners have had their turn, ask students to reflect on how it felt to have someone show interest in their interests and how it felt to give that attention to someone else.
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important to show interest in others’ hobbies, even if they don’t interest you personally?
- How does showing interest in someone’s hobby help build positive relationships?
- What are some non-verbal cues that indicate you are actively listening and showing interest in a conversation?
- Can you recall a time when someone showed genuine interest in your hobbies? How did it make you feel?
- What strategies can you use to show interest in a conversation, even if the topic isn’t personally engaging for you?
Related Skills
Beyond showing interest in others’ hobbies, there are several other related skills that students should develop to foster positive relationships and social-emotional growth:
- Active Listening: Students should learn to listen attentively, ask relevant questions, and provide feedback to show they understand and care about what their peers are saying.
- Empathy: Developing empathy helps students understand and share the feelings of others, which can lead to stronger connections and improved communication.
- Respect: By respecting others’ opinions and interests, students can create an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels valued.
- Conflict Resolution: Teaching students how to navigate disagreements and find common ground can help them build lasting, healthy relationships.
Next Steps
Teaching students to show interest in others’ hobbies is a crucial aspect of fostering social-emotional growth and building strong relationships. To access more resources and activities to help your students develop these essential skills, sign up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech.
