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Beyond Small Talk

Lesson Plan

Depth Dialogue Plan

Students will practice deep conversation skills by engaging in scaffolded question activities and reflective journaling to build meaningful peer connections.

This lesson empowers 6th grade special education students to move beyond surface chat, boosting social confidence, reciprocity, and emotional awareness.

Audience

6th Grade Special Education Students

Time

40 minutes

Approach

Guided small-group activities using deep-thinking prompts

Materials

Prep

Lesson Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up

5 minutes

  • Display a simple topic on Beyond Basics Slides (e.g., favorite hobby).
  • Invite each student to share one quick detail, modeling active listening (eye contact, nodding).
  • Highlight the difference between surface and deeper questions.

Step 2

Question Cascade Activity

10 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups and distribute Question Cascade cards.
  • Each student draws a card and asks their partner the prompt, then passes the card on.
  • Encourage follow-up questions: after answering, the listener asks “Why do you think that?” or “How did that make you feel?”.

Step 3

High-Interest Prompt Discussion

10 minutes

  • Regroup and display High-Interest Prompts on screen or handouts.
  • In round-robin style, each student picks one prompt and shares a thoughtful response.
  • Peers practice active listening and give positive feedback (“That’s interesting because…”).

Step 4

Journal Reflection

10 minutes

  • Hand out Deep Thought Reflections worksheets.
  • Students individually respond to reflection questions (e.g., “Which question felt most meaningful and why?”).
  • Assist as needed, prompting elaboration and emotional labeling.

Step 5

Wrap-Up & Share

5 minutes

  • Ask for volunteers to share one insight from their journal.
  • Summarize key skills: asking follow-up questions, active listening, sharing feelings.
  • Encourage students to use one new question technique in their next peer conversation.
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Slide Deck

Beyond Small Talk

Small-group exploration of deeper conversational questions to move past surface-level chat and foster connections.

Welcome students! Today we’re going to learn how to take our chats beyond surface-level talk and build stronger connections.

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Discussion

High-Interest Prompts

Use these thoughtfully crafted questions to spark meaningful conversations and encourage students to share more about themselves and their experiences.

  1. If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would you choose and what would you ask them?



  2. Think of a time you felt really proud of yourself. What happened and why was it important?



  3. Describe an experience that changed how you see the world. How did it make you feel?



  4. If you could invent something to solve a problem in your life or community, what would it be and how would it help?



  5. Share a memory that always makes you smile. What details stand out the most?



  6. What is something you wish others understood about you? Why does that matter?



  7. If you could travel anywhere to learn about a culture or tradition, where would you go and what would you hope to discover?



  8. Describe a personal goal you have for the future. Why is it meaningful to you, and what steps will you take to achieve it?






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Journal

Deep Thought Reflections

Use these prompts to think back on today’s activities, name your feelings, and plan how you’ll use your new conversation skills.

  1. Which question from the Question Cascade did you find most challenging or interesting, and why?






  2. Describe a moment during today’s session when you felt proud, excited, or surprised. What emotion did you notice in yourself?






  3. What is one new thing you learned about a classmate today? How might this understanding help you build a deeper connection next time?






  4. Think of one conversation skill you practiced (for example, asking follow-up questions or active listening). How will you use this skill in your next chat? What will be your first step?






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Activity

Question Cascade Cards

Use these 12 cards in small groups. Each student draws one, asks their partner the question, then passes the card on. Encourage the listener to follow up with “Why do you think that?” or “How did that make you feel?”

  1. What’s your favorite hobby?



  2. How often do you spend time on that hobby?



  3. When did you first start doing this hobby?



  4. Who do you usually share this hobby with and why?



  5. What do you like most about your hobby?



  6. Describe a time you felt really proud while doing this hobby.



  7. What’s one challenge you’ve faced with this hobby?



  8. How did overcoming that challenge make you feel?



  9. In what ways has this hobby influenced other parts of your life?



  10. What does your hobby reveal about who you are?



  11. If you could teach someone about this hobby, why would you choose to teach it?



  12. How might this hobby shape your future or your goals?






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