Lesson Plan
Chatting On Track
Students will learn and practice strategies for maintaining an on-topic conversation, including active listening and identifying topic changes, to improve their social communication skills.
Being able to stay on topic in a conversation is a super important life skill! It helps us understand each other better, make new friends, and share our ideas clearly. This lesson will give you tools to keep your chats running smoothly.
Audience
3rd-5th Grade Students with Autism
Time
20 minutes
Approach
Through direct instruction, guided practice, and interactive activities.
Materials
Whiteboard or chart paper, Markers, Stuffed animal or talking stick, Chatting On Track Slide Deck, Conversation Starters Activity, and On-Topic Conversation Rubric
Prep
Review Materials
5 minutes
- Review the Chatting On Track Lesson Plan and all linked materials: the Chatting On Track Slide Deck, Conversation Starters Activity, and On-Topic Conversation Rubric.
- Ensure whiteboard/chart paper and markers are available.
- Gather a stuffed animal or talking stick for the activity.
Step 1
Introduction: What Does 'On Topic' Mean?
3 minutes
- Use the Chatting On Track Slide Deck to introduce the concept of staying on topic.
- Ask students: "What does it mean to stay on topic when you're talking to someone?" Allow a few responses.
- Explain that staying on topic means talking about the main idea or subject of the conversation.
Step 2
Why is Staying On Topic Important?
2 minutes
- Show the slide discussing the importance of staying on topic.
- Discuss with students how staying on topic helps others understand them and keeps conversations flowing smoothly.
Step 3
Strategies for Staying On Topic
5 minutes
- Present strategies using the Chatting On Track Slide Deck:
- Listen Carefully: Pay attention to what the other person is saying.
- Think Before You Speak: Ask yourself, "Does what I'm about to say fit with what we're talking about?"
- Look for Clues: Notice if the other person's body language or words show they are confused or trying to change the subject.
- Provide simple examples for each strategy.
Step 4
Guided Practice: Conversation Starters
8 minutes
- Distribute the Conversation Starters Activity.
- Explain the rules: Students will take turns holding the talking stick/stuffed animal.
- The student with the talking stick starts a conversation using a prompt from the activity.
- Other students respond, focusing on staying on topic. The teacher models and provides gentle redirection as needed.
- After each short conversation, provide immediate, positive feedback and specific guidance based on the On-Topic Conversation Rubric.
- Encourage students to identify if their peers stayed on topic or if a topic change occurred, using a thumbs up/down system.
Slide Deck
Chatting On Track!
Keeping Our Conversations Rolling Smoothly!
Have you ever been talking to someone and felt like the conversation went in a different direction? Today, we're going to learn how to keep our chats 'on track'!
Welcome students and introduce the topic. Ask them to share their initial thoughts on what 'staying on topic' means.
What Does 'On Topic' Mean?
Staying on topic means talking about the main idea or subject of the conversation.
Imagine: You're talking about your favorite animal (dogs!) and suddenly someone starts talking about their favorite food (pizza!). That's off-topic!
Staying on topic keeps everyone understanding each other and makes conversations fun.
Explain what 'on topic' means using simple language. Give a clear, simple example.
Why Is It Important?
When we stay on topic, it helps:
- Others understand us better! They know what we're talking about.
- Conversations flow smoothly! No one gets confused.
- We can learn more from each other!
- It helps us connect with others and make friends!
Discuss why it's important to stay on topic. Connect it to understanding and making friends.
Strategy 1: Listen Carefully
Before you speak, make sure you really listen to what the other person is saying.
- Look at the person.
- Think about their words.
- Don't interrupt!
Introduce the first strategy: Listen Carefully. Emphasize paying attention.
Strategy 2: Think Before You Speak
Ask yourself: "Does what I'm about to say fit with what we're talking about?"
- If the answer is YES, share your idea!
- If the answer is NO, hold that thought for later, or gently bring it back to the topic.
Introduce the second strategy: Think Before You Speak. Provide a simple self-talk question.
Strategy 3: Look for Clues
Sometimes people give us clues if a conversation is going off track or if they are confused.
- Confused face?
- Changing their body position?
- Looking away?
These might be signs to check if you're still on topic!
Introduce the third strategy: Look for Clues. Discuss body language and facial expressions.
Let's Practice: Chatting On Track!
Now, let's put our strategies to use!
We will use a talking stick and some fun 'Conversation Starters'.
Remember to:
- Listen Carefully
- Think Before You Speak
- Look for Clues
Let's keep our conversations rolling smoothly!
Explain the activity and transition to the 'Conversation Starters Activity'. Remind them to use their strategies.
Discussion
On-Topic Discussion Prompts
After our activity, let's talk about what we noticed!
- What was one thing you did today to help you stay on topic during a conversation?
- Can you think of a time when someone went off-topic in a conversation? How did that make you feel?
- What are some clues you can look for to tell if a conversation is starting to go off-topic?
- Why is it helpful to use our listening and thinking strategies when we talk to friends or family?
- What is one new thing you learned today about having a good conversation?
Activity
Conversation Starters: Stay On Track!
Get Ready to Chat!
Instructions:
- Take turns holding the talking stick or stuffed animal.
- When it's your turn, pick a card or choose a prompt from below.
- Start a conversation with your group based on the prompt.
- Everyone else in the group should listen carefully and respond to that topic.
- Remember our strategies:
- Listen Carefully
- Think Before You Speak
- Look for Clues
Conversation Prompts:
- What is your favorite game to play and why?
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it?
- What is the best part about your school day?
- Tell us about a time you helped someone.
- What is your favorite animal and why do you like it?
- If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do there?
- What is your favorite book or movie and what is it about?
- What do you like to do on a sunny day?
- What is one thing you are really good at?
- If you found a magic lamp, what would be your first wish?
Rubric
On-Topic Conversation Rubric
This rubric helps us see how well we are doing at staying on topic during conversations. We want to aim for 'Awesome Chatting!'
| Criteria | Getting There (1 Point) | Good Effort (2 Points) | Awesome Chatting! (3 Points) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stays on Topic | Often talks about things unrelated to the current conversation. | Sometimes talks about things unrelated, but tries to get back on topic. | Mostly or always stays focused on the main topic of the conversation. |
| Listens Carefully | Rarely shows that they are listening to others. | Sometimes shows listening by looking at others or nodding. | Actively listens, looks at the speaker, and responds to what was said. |
| Responds to Others | Responses are often not connected to what others said. | Responses are sometimes connected to what others said. | Responses clearly build on or relate to what others have said. |
| Manages Topic Shifts | Introduces new topics frequently without linking to the current one. | Tries to bring the conversation back on topic when it drifts, or changes topic smoothly. | Successfully maintains the current topic or gently transitions to a new, related topic. |
Scoring:
- 3-5 Points: Still learning, keep practicing!
- 6-8 Points: You're doing great, keep up the good work!
- 9-12 Points: Fantastic job, you're a super chatter!