Introduction

Small talk is an essential social skill that helps us connect with others and create a positive atmosphere. It’s a short conversation that usually occurs when we see someone we know, such as before school or at social events. To help students develop this skill and enhance their social-emotional learning, we can introduce them to the Two W’s approach: talking about the Weather and the Weekend. In this blog, we’ll explore an easy no-prep activity for educators, discussion questions to stimulate further thought, related skills for students, and where to find more free resources.

No-Prep Activity

For this no-prep activity, divide students into pairs and have them practice making small talk using the Two W’s. Give them 5-10 minutes to engage in conversations, taking turns discussing the weather and their weekend plans or experiences. Encourage them to use phrases like “It’s so nice out!”, “What did you do last weekend?”, or “I’m looking forward to next weekend.” Afterward, have a group discussion about their experiences and what they learned about each other through small talk.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is small talk important in building connections with others?
2. How did using the Two W’s help you start a conversation with your partner?
3. What other topics could you use for small talk besides the weather and the weekend?
4. How can small talk help you make new friends or strengthen existing relationships?
5. What challenges did you face when trying to make small talk, and how can you overcome them?

Related Skills

Developing small talk skills is just one aspect of social-emotional learning. Other essential skills that students can benefit from include:

• Active listening: Paying full attention to the speaker, showing empathy, and providing feedback.
• Non-verbal communication: Understanding body language, facial expressions, and gestures.
• Empathy: Being able to understand and share the feelings of others.
• Conflict resolution: Learning to resolve disagreements in a respectful and constructive manner.
• Self-awareness: Recognizing one’s emotions, thoughts, and values, and understanding their impact on others.

Next Steps

Teaching small talk skills using the Two W’s is a simple yet effective way to help students connect with others and improve their social-emotional learning. To further support your students’ development, consider exploring more resources and activities. Sign up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech, where you’ll find a wealth of tools and resources designed to help educators teach essential social-emotional skills.