Introduction

Communication is a vital skill for students to navigate their social and academic lives. Repair the Conversation is a game designed to help middle school students recognize when a conversation goes off track and learn how to bring it back on track. By understanding the signs and causes of off-track conversations, students can develop their social skills and form stronger connections with their peers.

No-Prep Activity

In this no-prep activity, split the class into small groups of 3-4 students. Assign one student in each group to be the observer. The other students will engage in a conversation following these steps:

1. Initiate a conversation on a topic of their choice.
2. Intentionally let the conversation go off track by showing a negative emotion or a lack of interest.
3. Pause the conversation and let the observer identify the off-track moment, discuss the signs and causes, and suggest ways to bring the conversation back on track.
4. Resume the conversation, implementing the observer’s suggestions to repair the conversation.
5. Rotate roles so that each student has a chance to be the observer.

This activity encourages students to practice active listening, empathy, and problem-solving skills, all of which are essential for effective communication.

Discussion Questions

1. What are some signs that a conversation is going off track?
2. Why is it important to recognize and address off-track conversations?
3. How can we develop a better understanding of others’ emotions during conversations?
4. What strategies can we use to repair a conversation when it goes off track?
5. How can improving our conversation skills benefit our relationships with others?

Related Skills

Repair the Conversation is just one aspect of social-emotional learning. Other related skills that students can benefit from include:

• Active listening: Paying full attention to the speaker, asking questions, and providing feedback.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, and responding with care and support.
• Conflict resolution: Identifying and addressing disagreements in a respectful and constructive manner.
• Emotion regulation: Recognizing, understanding, and managing one’s own emotions during social interactions.

Next Steps

Repair the Conversation is a valuable tool for helping students develop effective communication skills. To further support your students’ social-emotional learning, consider exploring more resources and activities. Visit Everyday Speech to sign up for free samples of a variety of skill-building materials designed for middle school students. These resources can help you create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment where students can thrive.