Introduction
Eye contact is a crucial aspect of communication, playing a significant role in fostering connections and understanding in social interactions. For students in special education, developing this skill can greatly enhance their ability to engage with others, express themselves, and interpret non-verbal cues. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of eye contact in social-emotional learning, suggest a no-prep activity for educators, provide discussion questions, and explore related skills. Finally, we will offer next steps to support your students’ growth in this area.
No-Prep Activity: The Eye Contact Game
This simple, yet effective activity requires no preparation or materials and can be easily implemented in your classroom. The Eye Contact Game helps students practice making eye contact while listening and speaking. To play, have the students sit in a circle. One student starts by making eye contact with another student across the circle and says their name. The student who was called must then make eye contact with a different student, say their name, and so on. The game continues until everyone has had a turn to both call and be called. Encourage students to maintain eye contact for a few seconds before moving on to the next person.
Discussion Questions
- Why is eye contact important in conversations?
- How does making eye contact show that you are listening and interested in what someone is saying?
- What can happen if we don’t make eye contact during a conversation? How might it affect the other person?
- Can you think of a situation where you felt more connected to someone because of eye contact?
- What strategies can you use to improve your eye contact skills?
Related Skills
Developing eye contact is just one aspect of effective communication and social-emotional learning. Other essential skills for students in special education include active listening, understanding non-verbal cues, taking turns in conversation, and expressing emotions in a healthy way. By fostering these abilities, educators can support their students in building strong social connections and navigating various social situations with confidence.
Next Steps
Ready to help your students enhance their communication skills and embrace the power of eye contact? Sign up for free samples of our skill-related materials and gain access to a wealth of resources designed to support your students’ growth in social-emotional learning. Explore engaging activities, thought-provoking discussion prompts, and more to help your students thrive in their social interactions and build meaningful connections with others.
