In this blog post, we will explore the importance of teaching students the skill of engaging in conversations that focus on others’ interests, rather than just their own. This valuable social-emotional learning skill helps students build strong relationships and develop empathy for their peers. We’ll provide a no-prep activity for educators to use in the classroom, discussion questions to stimulate further conversations, and related skills that can help students become more socially aware.

No-Prep Activity: Interest-Based Conversations

This simple, no-prep activity encourages students to practice engaging in conversations that focus on their peers’ interests. The goal of this activity is to help students understand the importance of showing genuine interest in others and making connections through shared experiences or common interests.

1. Divide the students into pairs or small groups.
2. Ask each student to think about one of their interests or hobbies.
3. Instruct the students to take turns sharing their interest with their partner/group.
4. Encourage the partner/group members to ask open-ended questions about the shared interest and make comments related to the topic.
5. After each student has shared their interest and engaged in conversation, ask the students to switch partners/groups and repeat the process.

By the end of the activity, students should have practiced asking questions and making comments about their peers’ interests, helping them develop stronger communication and empathy skills.

Discussion Questions

Use these discussion questions to stimulate further conversation and reflection among your students:

1. Why is it important to engage in conversations focused on others’ interests, rather than just your own?
2. How did you feel when someone showed genuine interest in your hobby or interest? What impact did it have on your relationship with that person?
3. Can you think of a time when someone only talked about their own interests? How did it make you feel?
4. What strategies can you use to ensure that you are engaging in balanced conversations that include both your interests and those of others?
5. How can focusing on others’ interests help you develop empathy and understanding for your peers?

Related Skills

In addition to engaging in conversations focused on others’ interests, there are several related social-emotional learning skills that can help students become more socially aware and empathetic. These include:

• Active listening: Paying close attention to what others are saying and responding thoughtfully
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others
• Respect: Treating others with kindness and consideration
• Collaboration: Working effectively with others to achieve a common goal
• Conflict resolution: Addressing disagreements in a constructive and respectful manner

Next Steps

Teaching students to engage in conversations focused on others’ interests is an essential social-emotional learning skill that can help them build strong relationships and develop empathy for their peers. To further support your students’ social-emotional learning journey, we encourage you to sign up for free samples of our skill-based resources and activities. These materials will provide you with additional tools and strategies to help your students develop the essential skills they need to succeed in today’s interconnected world.