Students will actively participate in structured conversations, practice active listening, ask open-ended questions, and share personal reflections to enhance their communication skills and foster a sense of connection.
Effective communication is a vital life skill that helps students build strong relationships, resolve conflicts, and express themselves confidently. This lesson provides a safe space to practice these skills.
Audience
8th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and paired activities.
Materials
Let's Talk! Slide Deck, and Conversation Starters Worksheet
Begin by asking students: "What makes a conversation feel good? What makes it feel awkward?" - Discuss their responses as a class. Use Let's Talk! Slide Deck - Slide 1 for guidance.
Step 2
Introduction to Active Listening
5 minutes
Introduce the concept of active listening: truly hearing and understanding what the other person is saying. - Explain the importance of non-verbal cues (eye contact, nodding) and asking clarifying questions. - Present this information using the Let's Talk! Slide Deck - Slide 2.
Step 3
Pair Up and Practice
15 minutes
Divide students into pairs. - Distribute the Conversation Starters Worksheet to each student or pair. - Instruct students to take turns picking a starter and engaging in a conversation for about 2-3 minutes per prompt, practicing active listening and asking follow-up questions. Encourage them to use the prompts as a springboard, not a strict script. - Circulate around the room to provide support and observe interactions. Use Let's Talk! Slide Deck - Slide 3 to display instructions.
Step 4
Wrap-Up: Share and Reflect
5 minutes
Bring the class back together. - Ask a few volunteers to share one interesting thing they learned about their partner or one successful conversation strategy they used. - Reiterate the importance of these skills in everyday life. Use Let's Talk! Slide Deck - Slide 4 to facilitate this reflection.
Slide Deck
Let's Talk!
What makes a conversation feel good?
What makes it feel awkward?
Welcome students and introduce the day's topic: conversation skills. Ask the warm-up question to get them thinking and talking.
The Art of Active Listening
It's more than just hearing words!
Pay Attention: Truly focus on what the other person is saying.
Show You're Listening: Make eye contact, nod, and use encouraging words.
Ask Questions: Ask clarifying and open-ended questions to learn more and keep the conversation going.
No Interruptions: Let the other person finish their thoughts.
Explain active listening. Emphasize eye contact, nodding, and asking follow-up questions to show engagement. Give examples.
Talk It Out: Engage in conversation for 2-3 minutes per prompt.
Listen Actively: Show interest and ask follow-up questions.
Explain the pair activity. Distribute the worksheets and set a timer. Remind students to practice active listening and asking open-ended questions.
Reflect and Connect
What did you learn?
Share one interesting thing you learned about your partner.
What conversation strategy did you find most helpful?
How can you use these skills outside of class?
Bring the class back together. Ask for reflections. Reinforce the value of these skills in their daily lives.
Worksheet
Conversation Starters Worksheet
Instructions: With your partner, take turns choosing a starter and engaging in a conversation. Practice active listening by truly hearing what your partner says, making eye contact, and asking follow-up questions to keep the conversation flowing. Remember to share thoughtfully and respectfully.
Let's Get Talking!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
What is one thing you are really passionate about? Tell me more.
What's the best advice you've ever received and how has it helped you?
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do there?
What's a skill you'd like to learn or improve, and why?
Describe a time you felt proud of something you accomplished.
What's your favorite way to relax or de-stress after a busy day?
If you could invent something to make life easier, what would it be?
What is a goal you have for yourself in the next year?
What's something kind someone has done for you recently that made you smile?
Remember to listen carefully and ask follow-up questions! For example, if your partner talks about travel, you could ask, "What made you choose that destination?" or "Who would you travel with?"
