Introduction
As educators, we understand that our students will encounter various conversations throughout their lives. Some of these conversations may be interesting, while others may not. However, it is essential for students to learn how to show interest in conversations, even when the topic may not be particularly engaging to them. Demonstrating interest in what others have to say is a crucial aspect of social-emotional learning, as it fosters positive communication and helps build strong relationships. In this blog post, we will explore an easy-to-implement, no-prep activity that teaches students how to pretend interest in conversations, followed by discussion questions, related skills, and next steps to further enhance this important life skill.
No-Prep Activity: The “Enthusiastic Listener” Game
This simple activity requires no preparation or materials, making it a convenient option for educators. The goal of the “Enthusiastic Listener” game is to help students practice showing interest in conversations by using their body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.
To begin, have students pair up. One student will be the “speaker,” while the other will be the “listener.” The speaker will talk about a topic of their choice for one minute. The listener’s task is to pretend they are extremely interested in the topic, even if they find it uninteresting. Encourage the listener to use body language, such as leaning in and nodding, maintain eye contact, and make enthusiastic comments or ask questions. After one minute, have the students switch roles. Once both partners have had a turn, bring the class together and discuss their experiences.
Discussion Questions
- How did it feel to pretend to be interested in a topic that you found uninteresting? What strategies did you use to show interest?
- As a speaker, how did it feel when your partner showed interest in what you were saying? Did it make you feel more comfortable or confident in the conversation?
- Why is it important to show interest in conversations, even when the topic may not be engaging? How can this skill help you build stronger relationships with others?
- Can you think of a time when someone showed genuine interest in what you were saying? How did it make you feel?
- How can you continue to practice and improve your ability to show interest in conversations outside of the classroom?
Related Skills
In addition to teaching students how to pretend interest in conversations, it’s essential to address other related social-emotional learning skills, such as:
- Active listening: Encourage students to not only show interest but also truly listen and absorb what the speaker is saying.
- Empathy: Teach students to put themselves in others’ shoes and consider how their actions and words may impact others’ feelings.
- Effective communication: Help students learn how to express themselves clearly and respectfully during conversations.
- Conflict resolution: Equip students with the tools to navigate disagreements and find mutually beneficial solutions.
Next Steps
Developing the ability to pretend interest in conversations is an essential social-emotional learning skill that can benefit students throughout their lives. By practicing this skill, students can foster positive communication, build strong relationships, and demonstrate empathy and understanding. To further support your students in developing this skill and others, sign up for free sample materials that provide engaging activities and resources tailored to fostering social-emotional learning.
