Introduction

Effective communication is a crucial aspect of social-emotional learning for students in special education. One essential skill to teach these students is the Conversation Measuring Cup, a tool that helps them understand how much to talk during a conversation. By evaluating the type of question asked and using other cues, such as body language and tone of voice, students can determine the appropriate amount to share in various situations. This blog post will discuss a no-prep activity to practice this skill, provide discussion questions, and suggest related skills for further development.

No-Prep Activity: Two Sides

This activity requires no preparation or materials and allows students to practice using the Conversation Measuring Cup in different scenarios. In the Two Sides game, students will be presented with various situations and determine if the Conversation Measuring Cup was used correctly.

1. Divide students into pairs or small groups.
2. Provide each group with a list of scenarios that include different types of questions and conversation starters, such as greetings, general inquiries, and more specific questions.
3. Have the students role-play each scenario, with one student asking the question and the other responding. Encourage the students to pay attention to the type of question and use their Conversation Measuring Cup to determine the appropriate amount of information to share in their response.
4. After each role-play, discuss as a group whether the Conversation Measuring Cup was used correctly and how the response could be improved if necessary.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to use the Conversation Measuring Cup during conversations?
2. How can you tell if someone is interested in a longer conversation based on their body language and tone of voice?
3. What are some examples of situations where a short response would be appropriate? What about situations where a longer response is suitable?
4. How can using the Conversation Measuring Cup help improve communication and relationships with others?
5. Can you think of a time when you didn’t use the Conversation Measuring Cup effectively? What could you have done differently?

Related Skills

Beyond the Conversation Measuring Cup, there are other relevant skills students in special education can benefit from learning. Some of these include:

• Active Listening: Teach students to listen attentively, make eye contact, and ask follow-up questions to demonstrate their engagement in the conversation.
• Nonverbal Communication: Help students understand the importance of body language, facial expressions, and gestures in conveying their feelings and intentions during conversations.
• Turn-Taking: Encourage students to practice taking turns speaking and listening during conversations, allowing each person to have a chance to contribute.
• Empathy: Develop students’ ability to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering stronger connections and more meaningful conversations.

Next Steps

Teaching students in special education the Conversation Measuring Cup skill can significantly improve their communication abilities and overall social-emotional learning. To explore more resources and sample materials for teaching this skill and others, sign up for free samples at Everyday Speech. By incorporating these valuable skills into your curriculum, you can help your students build stronger relationships and navigate social situations with confidence.