Introduction

When engaging in conversations, it is essential for students to learn the skill of staying on topic. Staying on topic means discussing the same subject as the other person, ensuring both parties understand and can engage meaningfully. This skill is vital in fostering healthy communication and social-emotional development. In this blog post, we will explore a no-prep activity for educators to teach PreK students the importance of staying on topic, followed by discussion questions, related skills, and next steps.

No-Prep Activity: Topic Train

This activity requires no preparation or materials and can be played in a small group setting. The goal is to help students practice staying on topic while having a fun and engaging conversation. Here’s how to play:

1. Have students sit in a circle.
2. Choose a conversation starter or ask a student to provide a topic.
3. Each student, in turn, adds a comment related to the topic, ensuring it connects back to the previous comment.
4. If a student goes off-topic, pause the activity and discuss why the comment didn’t connect to the conversation.
5. Continue the conversation, allowing students to practice staying on topic and making meaningful connections.

This activity encourages students to actively listen and respond appropriately, enhancing their social-emotional learning experience.

Discussion Questions

After completing the Topic Train activity, use these questions to stimulate further discussions:

1. Why is it important to stay on topic during a conversation?
2. How does it feel when someone doesn’t stay on topic? How do you think it affects the conversation?
3. What strategies can you use to ensure you stay on topic in future conversations?
4. Can you think of a time when you or someone else struggled to stay on topic? How did it impact the conversation?

Related Skills

Staying on topic is just one aspect of effective communication. Here are some other crucial skills that contribute to successful social-emotional learning:

• Active listening: Paying close attention to what others are saying and responding thoughtfully.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others to create meaningful connections.
• Nonverbal communication: Interpreting body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice to better understand the message being conveyed.
• Conflict resolution: Addressing disagreements and finding solutions in a respectful and constructive manner.

Next Steps

Now that you have an engaging activity to teach PreK students the importance of staying on topic, consider exploring more resources to support their social-emotional learning journey. Sign up for free samples of Everyday Speech’s materials that cover a wide range of essential skills, from communication to problem-solving. These resources will help you create a nurturing and supportive learning environment for your students.