Introduction

As educators, it is our responsibility to teach students not only academic skills but also essential social skills. One such skill is the ability to drive a conversation forward, even when the topic might not be of personal interest. This ability is crucial for building strong friendships and developing empathy. By teaching students how to use Conversation Drivers, we can help them become better communicators and more empathetic individuals. This blog post will provide an easy-to-implement activity, discussion questions, and related skills to help educators teach this vital skill to their elementary students.

No-Prep Activity: Conversation Relay

This activity requires no preparation or materials and can be done in a classroom or small group setting. The goal is to encourage students to practice using Conversation Drivers to keep a conversation going, even when the topic might not interest them personally.

1. Divide the students into pairs.
2. Ask each pair to choose a topic for their conversation. This topic should be something one student is interested in and the other student is not.
3. Give the students a few minutes to discuss their chosen topic, with the student who is interested in the topic leading the conversation.
4. Encourage the student who is not interested in the topic to practice using Conversation Drivers, such as nodding their head, smiling, maintaining eye contact, making connected comments, and asking questions.
5. After a few minutes, have the pairs switch roles and choose a new topic.
6. Repeat the process, allowing each student to practice using Conversation Drivers while discussing a topic they are not interested in.

This activity not only helps students practice using Conversation Drivers but also fosters empathy and understanding of others’ interests.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to show interest in a conversation, even if the topic is not personally interesting to you?
2. How can using Conversation Drivers improve your relationships with friends and classmates?
3. What are some challenges you might face when trying to use Conversation Drivers during a conversation?
4. How can you tell if someone is using Conversation Stoppers instead of Conversation Drivers?
5. What strategies can you use to remind yourself to practice Conversation Drivers during everyday conversations?

Related Skills

Teaching Conversation Drivers is just one aspect of fostering better communication and stronger friendships among students. Other related skills that can be taught alongside Conversation Drivers include:

• Active listening
• Empathy and understanding
• Conflict resolution
• Assertiveness
• Respecting boundaries

Developing these skills will not only improve students’ social interactions but also contribute to a positive and inclusive classroom environment.

Next Steps

If you’re looking for more resources to help teach Conversation Drivers and other essential social-emotional skills, consider signing up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech. You’ll find a wealth of resources designed to help educators foster better communication, empathy, and understanding among their students.