Introduction

As educators, we strive to teach our students valuable social skills that will enhance their daily interactions. One such skill is the Conversation Share. This essential skill ensures that everyone involved in a conversation has equal opportunities to speak, listen, and be heard. By teaching PreK students the Conversation Share, we help them build strong foundations for effective communication and healthy relationships.

No-Prep Activity: Conversation Catch

This simple, no-prep activity is perfect for teaching PreK students the Conversation Share concept. Just like a game of catch, students will learn to take turns talking and listening during a conversation. Simply follow these steps:

1. Have students sit in a circle.
2. Explain that they will be playing a game called “Conversation Catch,” where they will take turns talking and listening to each other.
3. Select a topic for the conversation, such as favorite foods, animals, or weekend activities.
4. Begin the activity by sharing a short statement related to the topic, then “toss” the conversation to the student sitting next to you by saying their name.
5. Encourage the student to respond with a similar length statement before “tossing” the conversation to the next student in the circle.
6. Continue the activity until all students have had a chance to participate, emphasizing the importance of taking turns and keeping statements short and balanced.

By engaging in Conversation Catch, students will become more aware of the dynamics of conversations and learn to share speaking and listening time equally with their peers.

Discussion Questions

After completing the Conversation Catch activity, use these questions to stimulate further discussions:

1. Why is it important to share speaking and listening time in a conversation?
2. How did it feel when everyone took turns and kept their statements short and balanced?
3. What can happen if one person talks too much or too little in a conversation?
4. How can we practice using the Conversation Share skill in our daily interactions?
5. Can you think of a time when you used the Conversation Share skill successfully? How did it make you and the other person feel?

Related Skills

Teaching the Conversation Share skill can be complemented by other social-emotional learning skills that promote effective communication and positive relationships. Some related skills to consider include:

• Active Listening: Encouraging students to fully concentrate, understand, and respond to what others are saying.
• Empathy: Helping students understand and share the feelings of others, fostering a sense of connection and compassion.
• Respectful Communication: Teaching students the importance of being polite, considerate, and respectful when speaking with others.
• Conflict Resolution: Guiding students in learning how to address disagreements and resolve conflicts through effective communication and problem-solving techniques.

Next Steps

Now that you have a better understanding of the Conversation Share skill and its importance in social-emotional learning, it’s time to explore other valuable resources to support your teaching journey. Be sure to sign up for free samples of skill-building materials and activities from Everyday Speech. These resources will help you create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for your PreK students, fostering their growth in communication and social skills.