Interrupting is a common occurrence in conversations, especially among young children who are still learning the art of effective communication. Teaching students the right way to interrupt can help them develop better social skills and foster positive relationships. In this blog, we will discuss an easy-to-implement activity to teach students how to interrupt politely, provide discussion questions to deepen understanding, and mention related skills for students to practice. We will also guide you on how to access free sample materials to further support your students’ development in this area.

Introduction

Interrupting is when a person speaks while someone else is already talking. This can make others feel upset or disrespected. It is essential for students to learn the proper way to interrupt a conversation, including offering an explanation and apology. This will help them develop social-emotional skills and improve their interactions with others.

No-Prep Activity: Role-Playing Polite Interruptions

This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator and helps students practice interrupting in a polite and respectful manner.

1. Divide students into small groups of 3-4.
2. Assign each group a scenario in which interrupting might be necessary. Examples include needing to ask for help, requesting a bathroom break, or asking for clarification.
3. Ask students to role-play the scenario, taking turns as the interrupter, the speaker, and the listener.
4. Encourage the interrupter to practice saying, “Excuse me,” or “I’m sorry to interrupt, but…” before stating their reason for interrupting.
5. After each role-play, have the group discuss how the interruption was handled and suggest improvements if necessary.

This activity helps students practice polite interruptions in various situations, fostering empathy and understanding of others’ feelings during conversations.

Discussion Questions

1. How do you feel when someone interrupts you without apologizing or explaining why?
2. Can you think of a situation where interrupting might be necessary? How would you handle it?
3. How can you tell if someone is upset by your interruption? What can you do to make them feel better?
4. Why is it important to learn the proper way to interrupt a conversation?
5. How can practicing polite interruptions improve your relationships with others?

Related Skills

Beyond learning the right way to interrupt, students can benefit from practicing other related social-emotional skills:

• Active Listening: Encourage students to focus on the speaker, make eye contact, and avoid interrupting unless necessary.
• Empathy: Teach students to put themselves in others’ shoes and consider how their actions might affect those around them.
• Assertiveness: Help students express their needs and feelings clearly and respectfully without being passive or aggressive.
• Conflict Resolution: Guide students in resolving disagreements in a constructive and respectful manner.

Next Steps

Teaching students the right way to interrupt in conversations is an essential social-emotional skill that will benefit them throughout their lives. To access free sample materials on this skill and others, sign up at Everyday Speech. These resources will support you in fostering positive communication habits and strengthening your students’ social-emotional learning.