Introduction

In conversations, it’s essential for students to learn how to make connected comments and ask relevant questions. This skill allows them to engage with others effectively and demonstrates that they are listening and paying attention to the topic at hand. By teaching students to make connected comments, we help them develop strong social-emotional learning skills, build better relationships with peers, and enhance their overall communication abilities.

No-Prep Activity: The Conversation Chain

This simple, no-prep activity helps students practice making connected comments in a fun and engaging way. The Conversation Chain requires no materials or preparation from the educator and can be done in any setting.

1. Begin by having students sit in a circle.
2. Give a conversation starter, such as “What did you do over the weekend?”
3. Have the first student make a comment or ask a question related to the topic.
4. The next student must make a connected comment or ask a question that relates to the previous student’s statement.
5. Continue around the circle, with each student adding a connected comment or question.
6. After everyone has had a turn, discuss the experience and highlight examples of connected comments.

This activity encourages students to listen actively, think about the topic, and practice making connected comments that build upon the conversation.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to make connected comments in conversations?
2. How do you feel when someone makes a comment that is not connected to the topic you are discussing?
3. What strategies can you use to make sure your comments are connected to the conversation?
4. How can making connected comments help you build better relationships with your peers?
5. Can you think of a time when you made a connected comment that helped a conversation flow smoothly?

Related Skills

Teaching students to make connected comments in conversations is just one aspect of developing strong social-emotional learning skills. Other related skills include:

• Active listening
• Empathy and understanding others’ perspectives
• Nonverbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving
• Assertiveness and expressing one’s own thoughts and feelings

Next Steps

Now that you have learned about the importance of making connected comments in conversations and have a no-prep activity to practice with your students, it’s time to explore more social-emotional learning skills. To access free samples of skill-building materials, including activities, lessons, and games, visit Everyday Speech and sign up for your free account today.