Lesson Plan
Are You a Conversation Starter?
Students will be able to provide an on-topic response to a conversation starter shared by a peer.
Developing conversation skills helps students connect with others, build friendships, and participate effectively in group settings.
Audience
2nd-5th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive activities, modeling, and peer practice.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Are You a Conversation Starter? Slide Deck, Conversation Starter Ball Game, Listening Detective Worksheet, and Soft ball or beanbag
Prep
Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Are You a Conversation Starter? Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
- Gather a soft ball or beanbag for the Conversation Starter Ball Game.
- Print out enough copies of the Listening Detective Worksheet for each student.
- Set up your whiteboard or projector for the slide deck presentation.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Conversation Starter Circle
5 minutes
- Introduce the Topic: Begin by asking students what makes a good conversation. (2 minutes)
- Activity: Have students sit in a circle. Pass a soft ball around. When a student catches the ball, they share a simple conversation starter (e.g., "What's your favorite animal?"). The next student to catch the ball responds to that starter with an on-topic answer. Emphasize listening to the starter. (3 minutes)
Step 2
Model the Skill
7 minutes
- Introduce Key Concepts: Use the Are You a Conversation Starter? Slide Deck to explain "On-Topic Responses," "Active Listening," and "Taking Turns." (3 minutes)
- Teacher Modeling: Model a good conversation with a student volunteer, demonstrating both an on-topic response and an off-topic response. Discuss the difference. (2 minutes)
- Role-Play Examples: Show examples from the slide deck and ask students to identify if responses are on-topic or off-topic. (2 minutes)
Step 3
Partner Conversations
10 minutes
- Introduce the Game: Explain the Conversation Starter Ball Game. Students will work in pairs. One student will use a conversation starter from the game, and the other will practice an on-topic response. (2 minutes)
- Distribute Materials: Hand out the Listening Detective Worksheet and explain that as they play the game, they will be listening detectives, checking if their partner's responses are on-topic. (2 minutes)
- Activity: Students pair up and play the Conversation Starter Ball Game while completing their Listening Detective Worksheet. Circulate and provide feedback. (6 minutes)
Step 4
Share Out & Wrap-Up
8 minutes
- Class Discussion: Bring the class back together. Ask students to share one interesting conversation starter they heard or an on-topic response they practiced. (4 minutes)
- Review: Briefly recap the importance of active listening and on-topic responses. (2 minutes)
- Cool Down: Ask students to write down one new thing they learned about being a good conversationalist on their Listening Detective Worksheet as an exit ticket. (2 minutes)
Slide Deck
Are You a Conversation Starter?
Let's learn how to have amazing conversations!
Welcome students and introduce the day's topic in an engaging way. Ask them what they think a "conversation starter" is.
What's a Conversation Starter?
It's how you begin talking with someone!
Examples:
- "What did you do last weekend?"
- "What's your favorite animal?"
- "What book are you reading?"
Explain what a conversation starter is and why they are useful. Encourage students to share their own ideas for conversation starters.
On-Topic Responses: Stay on Track!
Responding to what the other person just said.
Example:
- Starter: "What's your favorite color?"
- On-Topic Response: "I like blue! It reminds me of the ocean."
Introduce the idea of an 'on-topic response.' Emphasize that it means staying focused on what the other person said.
Off-Topic Responses: Oops!
Saying something that has nothing to do with what was just said.
Example:
- Starter: "What's your favorite color?"
- Off-Topic Response: "I had pizza for dinner last night."
Why is this off-topic?
Give an example of an off-topic response and discuss why it doesn't help the conversation. Ask students for examples of off-topic responses.
Active Listening: Show You Care!
Pay attention with your ears AND your eyes.
- Look at the person speaking.
- Nod your head to show you're listening.
- Think about what they are saying.
Explain active listening. Emphasize making eye contact and showing you are interested.
Taking Turns: Share the Fun!
Just like in a game, conversations need turns!
- One person talks, then another.
- Don't interrupt.
- Wait for a pause to speak.
Explain the concept of taking turns in a conversation, similar to a game.
Let's Play: Conversation Starter Ball Game!
You'll work with a partner!
- One person shares a conversation starter.
- The other person gives an on-topic response.
- Then, swap roles!
Introduce the Conversation Starter Ball Game. Explain the rules clearly for partner work.
Become a Listening Detective!
Use your Listening Detective Worksheet to:
- Write down the conversation starters.
- Check if responses are on-topic.
- Be a super listener!
Explain the Listening Detective Worksheet and its purpose.
You're a Conversation Pro!
Great job today!
- Remember to listen actively.
- Give on-topic responses.
- Take turns!
Keep practicing these skills!
Conclude the lesson by asking students to reflect on what they learned. Reinforce the key takeaways.
Game
Conversation Starter Ball Game
Get ready to become a conversation pro! In this game, you'll practice starting conversations and giving great on-topic responses.
How to Play (in pairs):
- Find a Partner: You and a friend will play together.
- Take Turns: Decide who goes first. One person will be the "Conversation Starter" and the other will be the "Responder."
- Start the Conversation: The "Conversation Starter" picks a question from the list below and shares it with their partner. Imagine you are gently tossing a ball (you can use a real soft ball if you have one!).
- Respond On-Topic: The "Responder" listens carefully and gives an on-topic response. This means your answer should be about what your partner just asked! Imagine you are catching the ball and tossing it back with your answer.
- Switch Roles: After the response, switch roles! The old "Responder" becomes the new "Conversation Starter," and vice versa.
- Keep Going! Play until you've used several conversation starters or your teacher says time is up.
Conversation Starters:
- What is your favorite animal and why?
- What did you do over the weekend?
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
- What's the best book you've ever read?
- What's your favorite thing to do outside?
- Do you have a favorite game to play?
- What's a new thing you want to try?
- Who is a hero to you?
- What's your favorite food?
- If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
- What makes you laugh?
- What is something you are good at?
Worksheet
Listening Detective Worksheet
Your Mission: As a Listening Detective, you will pay super close attention during your partner conversations. Listen for the conversation starters and check if your partner gives an on-topic response!
Part 1: Partner Practice
Listen carefully to your partner. For each conversation starter, write it down and then check if their response was ON-TOPIC or OFF-TOPIC.
-
Conversation Starter:
Was the response ON-TOPIC? (Circle one): Yes / No -
Conversation Starter:
Was the response ON-TOPIC? (Circle one): Yes / No -
Conversation Starter:
Was the response ON-TOPIC? (Circle one): Yes / No -
Conversation Starter:
Was the response ON-TOPIC? (Circle one): Yes / No -
Conversation Starter:
Was the response ON-TOPIC? (Circle one): Yes / No
Part 2: Cool Down / Reflection
What is one new thing you learned today about being a good conversationalist?