In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of teaching PreK students how to politely interrupt a conversation, and provide a no-prep activity to help educators easily incorporate this skill into their curriculum. We will also present discussion questions, related skills, and additional resources to support educators in fostering social-emotional learning in young children.

Introduction

Polite conversation interruption skills are essential for young children to develop as they navigate social situations and build relationships with their peers. By teaching PreK students how to properly interrupt a conversation, we can help them cultivate empathy, self-awareness, and respectful communication. These skills are crucial components of social-emotional learning, which promotes the development of healthy relationships and emotional well-being.

No-Prep Activity

This no-prep activity is designed to teach PreK students how to interrupt a conversation politely and effectively. The activity can be easily incorporated into any classroom setting without requiring additional materials or preparation.

1. Begin by explaining the concept of interrupting a conversation and why it is sometimes necessary. Provide examples of appropriate reasons to interrupt, such as an emergency or needing assistance.
2. Divide the students into small groups of three or four. Assign one student to be the “interrupter” while the others engage in a conversation, using a provided scenario or a topic of their choice.
3. Instruct the “interrupter” to practice the following steps:
   1. Approach the group and stand nearby.
   2. Say “sorry” or apologize for interrupting.
   3. Explain the reason for the interruption.
4. After the interruption, allow the conversation to continue and then rotate roles within the group. Repeat the activity until all students have had a chance to practice interrupting politely.
5. As a class, discuss the experience and provide feedback on the students’ performance, emphasizing the importance of polite and respectful communication.

Discussion Questions

• Why is it important to interrupt a conversation politely?
• Can you think of a time when you needed to interrupt a conversation? How did you handle it?
• How do you feel when someone interrupts you? How can using polite interruption skills make a difference in how you feel?
• What are some other ways we can show respect and empathy in our communication with others?
• How can practicing polite conversation interruption skills help us develop our social-emotional learning abilities?

Related Skills

In addition to polite conversation interruption skills, there are several other related social-emotional learning skills that educators can teach PreK students, including:

• Active listening
• Empathy and understanding others’ feelings
• Respectful communication
• Conflict resolution
• Assertiveness

Next Steps

To further support your students in developing their social-emotional learning skills, consider signing up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech. These resources can help you incorporate additional activities and lessons into your curriculum, fostering the growth of essential skills like polite conversation interruption and other related abilities.