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Small Talk Skills

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Lesson Plan

Small Talk Skills

Learning to have small talk

This lesson focuses on teaching students the art of small talk, an essential social skill that can help them build connections and navigate social situations more comfortably. By using Trauma-Informed Teaching, Game-Based Learning, and Inquiry-Based Learning strategies, the lesson aims to create a supportive and engaging environment for students to practice and develop these skills.

Audience

15-year-olds with high-functioning autism

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Trauma-Informed Teaching, Game-Based Learning, Inquiry-Based Learning

Materials

Discussion Questions, and Printable Cards for Small Talk Scenarios

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Begin with a brief introduction to the concept of small talk and its importance in everyday interactions.
  • Explain the objectives of the lesson and how it will help them in social situations.

Step 2

Discussion

10 minutes

  • Use the provided discussion questions to explore students' thoughts and experiences with small talk.
  • Encourage students to share their feelings about engaging in small talk and any challenges they face.

Step 3

Game-Based Activity

7 minutes

  • Distribute the printable cards with small talk scenarios to students.
  • In pairs, have students pick a card and role-play the scenario, practicing small talk with each other.
  • Rotate pairs to allow students to practice with different partners.

Step 4

Closure

3 minutes

  • Gather students and discuss what they learned from the activity.
  • Encourage students to share any new strategies they discovered for making small talk.
  • Reinforce the importance of practice and being open to new social interactions.
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Discussion

Discussion Questions for Small Talk

A set of questions designed to facilitate a discussion on the topic of small talk, helping students explore their thoughts and experiences.

What is small talk, and why do you think it's important?

Encourage students to think about everyday situations where small talk occurs and its role in building relationships.







Can you share a time when you found small talk challenging?

Guide students to reflect on specific instances and what made those situations difficult.







What are some topics you feel comfortable discussing in small talk?

Help students identify safe and easy topics for small talk, such as weather, hobbies, or school events.







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Worksheet

Printable Cards for Small Talk Scenarios

These cards contain various small talk scenarios for students to role-play, helping them practice and develop their small talk skills.




You meet a new student in the cafeteria. Start a conversation.







You are waiting in line at the school store. Talk to the person next to you.







You see a classmate reading a book you like. Start a conversation about it.







You are at a school event and see someone you recognize. Say hello and chat.







You are paired with a new partner for a class project. Introduce yourself and talk about the project.







You are sitting next to someone on the bus. Start a conversation about the weather.







You notice someone wearing a t-shirt of your favorite band. Compliment them and start a conversation.







You are at a friend's birthday party and meet someone new. Ask them how they know the birthday person.







You are in a waiting room and see someone reading a magazine you like. Start a conversation about the magazine.







You are at a community event and see someone you recognize from school. Say hello and ask them about the event.




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lenny