Conversation Flow Game

Gianna Akerberg

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Conversation Flow Game

Maintain conversation for 5 exchanges

This lesson focuses on helping 5th-grade students develop conversation skills by practicing maintaining a conversation for five exchanges. Using a game-based approach, students will engage in a fun and interactive activity that encourages them to think of questions or comments to keep the conversation going. This lesson is important as it helps students build social skills, confidence, and the ability to connect with others, which are essential for their emotional and social development.

Audience

5th grade individual counseling

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Trauma-Informed Teaching, Game-Based Learning

Materials

Printable Conversation Topic Cards, Timer, Discussion Guide, and Conversation Strategies Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction

2 minutes

Greet the student warmly and explain the objective of the session: to practice keeping a conversation going.
Briefly discuss the importance of conversation skills in making friends and understanding others.

Step 2

Game Explanation

3 minutes

Introduce the game: The student will pick a conversation topic card and start a conversation.
Explain that the goal is to keep the conversation going for at least five exchanges.
Demonstrate an example with a simple topic.

Step 3

Conversation Practice

7 minutes

Have the student pick a conversation topic card.
Start the timer and begin the conversation.
Encourage the student to ask questions or make comments to keep the conversation flowing.
Provide gentle prompts if the student struggles to continue.
Allow the student to reference the Conversation Strategies Worksheet if needed.

Step 4

Closure

3 minutes

Discuss with the student how they felt during the activity.
Highlight any successful strategies they used to keep the conversation going.
Encourage them to practice these skills in real-life situations.

Worksheet

Conversation Topic Cards

These cards contain various conversation topics for students to practice maintaining a conversation. They are designed for one-sided printing.

Favorite hobby

A recent movie you watched

A place you want to visit

Your favorite book

A fun weekend activity

Your favorite food

A memorable family trip

A sport you enjoy

A subject you like in school

A pet you have or want to have

A dream job you aspire to

A favorite holiday tradition

A skill you want to learn

A favorite TV show

A person you admire

Discussion

Discussion Guide

This guide helps facilitate a discussion on the student's experience during the conversation practice.

How did you feel during the conversation practice?

Encourage the student to express their feelings and any challenges they faced.

What strategies did you use to keep the conversation going?

Discuss specific questions or comments the student used to maintain the conversation.

How can you use these skills in real-life situations?

Help the student think of scenarios where they can apply these conversation skills.

Worksheet

Conversation Strategies Worksheet

This worksheet provides strategies and tips for keeping a conversation going, which the student can reference during practice.

What are some questions you can ask to keep a conversation going?

Think about open-ended questions that encourage more than a yes or no answer.

How can you show that you are interested in what the other person is saying?

Consider using body language and verbal affirmations.

What can you do if the conversation starts to slow down?

Think about introducing a new topic or asking a follow-up question.