Teacher Script: Chatting Champs

(Slide 1: Welcome, Chatting Champs!)

"Good morning/afternoon, amazing kindergarteners! Today, we're going to become 'Chatting Champs'! Can everyone say that with me? 'Chatting Champs!' Fantastic! Being a Chatting Champ means we're great at talking to our friends and even better at listening to them."

"Why do you think it's important to talk and listen to each other? Turn to a partner and share one idea for 30 seconds. What do you think?"

"(After partner share) Who would like to share what they discussed? That's right! When we talk and listen, we learn new things, we make new friends, and we can play together better!"

(Slide 2: Starting a Chat!)

"Sometimes, we see a friend playing and we want to join, or we have something exciting to share, but how do we start talking? It's like finding the 'start button' for a conversation!"

"Here are some super simple ways to start a chat: First, just say 'Hi!' or 'Hello!' A friendly greeting always works. Let's try it: 'Hi!'"

"You can also ask a question! Maybe: 'What are you playing?' or 'Do you like my drawing?' Asking a question shows you're interested in them. And don't forget to smile! A smile tells someone you're happy to talk to them. Can everyone show me their best friendly smile? Wonderful!"

"Let's practice! I need a volunteer to help me. (Choose a student). I'm going to pretend I want to talk to (student's name). I'll say 'Hi, (student's name)! What's your favorite animal?'"

"Now, everyone, imagine you have your Role-Play Scenario Cards. You'll work with a partner. Pick a card, and take turns practicing starting a conversation using one of these friendly ways. You have 3 minutes! Go!"

(Slide 3: Listening Like a Pro!)

"Alright, Chatting Champs, you're doing great at starting conversations! But what happens after you start talking? Someone else is talking, and it's YOUR turn to listen. This is super important!"

"Good listeners do a few things. First, they look at the person talking. This is called making 'eye contact.' It shows you care about what they're saying. Can everyone show me their listening eyes? (Model looking intently)."

"Second, good listeners stay quiet and don't interrupt. We use our quiet mouths! (Put a finger to lips). It's hard to hear if two people are talking at once, right?"

"And third, a good listener thinks about what the other person is saying. Their brain is working, understanding the words. (Point to head)."

"Let's try. I'm going to say something, and I want everyone to show me their listening eyes, quiet mouths, and thinking brains. 'My favorite thing to do on a sunny day is go to the park.' Did you all listen like pros? Great job!"

(Slide 4: Sharing Our Ideas)

"Now, when it's your turn to talk and share your ideas, how do we do it politely?"

"First, speak clearly so everyone can understand you. Second, share your ideas! We want to hear what you think. Third, remember to wait for your turn. It's not fair to interrupt a friend who is talking. And always remember to say 'Please' and 'Thank you' when you ask for something or someone helps you. Good manners make conversations even better!"

"I want each of you to think of one thing you like to do at school. When I call on you, share your idea clearly, and everyone else will practice their listening skills. (Facilitate a quick share-out, ensuring all students get a chance and demonstrating good listening from the teacher)."

(Slide 5: You are a Chatting Champ!)

"Wow, my Chatting Champs! You've learned so much today! We practiced how to:"

"* Start conversations kindly! (Recap and ask for a thumbs up)

• Listen with our eyes and ears! (Recap and ask for listening ears gesture)
• Share our ideas politely! (Recap and ask for a polite wave)"

"These are amazing skills that will help you make new friends, play better, and learn more every day! Keep practicing your Chatting Champ skills!"

(Cool Down: My Chatting Game Plan)

"Now, let's think about how we can use these new skills. I'm handing out the Chatting Champs Worksheet. On this paper, I want you to draw a picture or write one sentence about something you learned today about being a good talker or a good listener. Think about your 'Chatting Game Plan' for tomorrow!"

"(After students complete their worksheets) Who would like to share their Chatting Game Plan? How will you use your new skills? Remember, every day is a chance to be a Chatting Champ!"

Role-Play Scenario Cards

Instructions for Teacher: Print and cut out these cards. Distribute them to pairs or small groups of students for role-playing practice. Encourage students to try different ways to start conversations and practice active listening.

Card 1: New Friend on the Playground

Scenario: You see a new student sitting by themselves on the playground. You want to ask them to play.

Practice:

• How would you say hello?
• What question could you ask to invite them to play?
• What would you do if they said yes? What if they said no?

Card 2: Sharing a Toy

Scenario: Your friend has a toy you really want to play with. You want to ask if you can have a turn.

Practice:

• How would you politely ask for a turn?
• How would you listen to their answer?
• What if they say, "Not right now"?

Card 3: Telling About Your Weekend

Scenario: You had a fun weekend and want to tell your friend about it at circle time. Your friend is also excited to share.

Practice:

• How do you wait for your turn to speak?
• How do you make sure you don't interrupt?
• How do you listen when your friend is talking?

Card 4: Asking for Help

Scenario: You are trying to build a tall tower with blocks, but it keeps falling down. You need help from a friend.

Practice:

• How would you ask for help politely?
• What words would you use?
• How would you listen to their ideas for helping?

Card 5: Greeting a Teacher

Scenario: You walk into the classroom in the morning and see your teacher. You want to say good morning.

Practice:

• How would you greet your teacher?
• What else could you say?
• How would you show you are listening to their response?

Card 6: Showing a Drawing

Scenario: You just finished a beautiful drawing and you want to show it to a friend during free play.

Practice:

• How would you get your friend's attention politely?
• What would you say when you show them your drawing?
• How would you listen to their comments about your artwork?

My Chatting Champs Game Plan

Name: ________________________

We learned how to be amazing Chatting Champs today! We talked about how to start a conversation, listen carefully, and share our ideas.

Draw a picture or write one thing you learned about being a good talker or a good listener. How will you use this skill today or tomorrow?

Bonus Challenge: Write or draw one question you could ask a friend to start a chat!