Introduction

Effective communication is a crucial aspect of Social-Emotional Learning. When we engage in conversations, it’s important to remember that everyone should have a chance to talk. Turn-taking is an essential skill for maintaining a healthy balance in discussions and fostering positive connections. In this blog post, we will explore a no-prep activity designed to teach turn-taking, provide discussion questions to stimulate further thought, and offer suggestions for related skills to develop.

No-Prep Activity: Turn-Taking Tennis

Turn-Taking Tennis is a simple activity that requires no preparation or materials from the educator. The goal of this activity is to help students practice turn-taking in conversations by treating it like a game of tennis, where each person has a chance to “hit” the ball (speak) before the other person responds.

To begin, pair students and have them stand facing each other. Explain that they will be having a conversation, but must take turns speaking. Each time a student speaks, they should imagine hitting a tennis ball over the net to their partner. The partner must wait for the “ball” before responding. Encourage students to listen carefully to their partner and respond with a related statement or question. Continue the activity for a set amount of time, and then have students switch partners and repeat.

Discussion Questions

• Why is turn-taking important in conversations? How does it affect the way we connect with others?
• How did it feel when you had to wait for your turn to speak during the Turn-Taking Tennis activity? What strategies did you use to be a good listener?
• Can you think of a time when you or someone else didn’t practice turn-taking in a conversation? How did it affect the interaction?
• What challenges might some people face when trying to practice turn-taking? How can we support those who struggle with this skill?
• How can practicing turn-taking in conversations help us develop empathy and understanding for others?

Related Skills

Turn-taking is just one aspect of effective communication. Here are some other related skills that can help students develop strong communication abilities:

• Active Listening: Encourage students to fully concentrate on what their conversation partner is saying, and respond thoughtfully.
• Nonverbal Communication: Teach students to recognize and interpret body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice to better understand their conversation partner’s feelings and intentions.
• Empathy: Help students develop the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, which can lead to more meaningful and supportive conversations.
• Assertiveness: Encourage students to express their thoughts and feelings in a respectful and confident manner, while still allowing space for others to share their perspectives.

Next Steps

Ready to explore more activities and strategies for teaching turn-taking and other essential communication skills? We invite you to sign up for free samples of our Social-Emotional Learning materials at Everyday Speech. Our resources can help you provide engaging and effective lessons to support your students’ growth and development.