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Small Talk Superstars

Lesson Plan

Small Talk Superstars Lesson Plan

Students will practice greeting peers, taking conversational turns, and asking follow-up questions in a supportive 15-minute group activity.

Building these foundational social skills helps students with autism gain confidence, improve peer interactions, and generalize communication strategies to everyday situations.

Audience

7th Grade Middle School Students

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Structured games and guided practice

Materials

Whiteboard and Markers, Conversation Prompt Cards, Small Talk Checklist, and Timer or Stopwatch

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Greeting Warm-Up

2 minutes

  • Greet each student by name as they enter the space
  • Write “Hello” and “Hi” on the whiteboard and model friendly greetings
  • Have students practice greeting a peer, using the Small Talk Checklist to self-monitor tone and eye contact

Step 2

Introduce Objectives

1 minute

  • Explain that today’s goals are to practice turn-taking, greetings, and follow-up questions
  • Display and briefly review the objectives on the whiteboard

Step 3

Turn-Taking Activity

5 minutes

Step 4

Follow-Up Question Practice

4 minutes

  • Model asking a question and then a follow-up (e.g., “What’s your favorite game? Why do you like it?”)
  • In pairs, students select a new prompt, ask the question, listen, and then ask an appropriate follow-up
  • Use the checklist to track the use of at least one follow-up question

Step 5

Reflection and Closing

3 minutes

  • Reconvene and ask each student to share one skill they felt they practiced well
  • Highlight positive examples and encourage continued use of these skills
  • Distribute extra Small Talk Checklist copies for home practice
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Slide Deck

Small Talk Superstars

Building confident conversation skills for daily interactions.

Welcome everyone! Introduce today’s session: “Small Talk Superstars.” Explain that in the next 15 minutes, we’ll practice key conversation skills designed to help you feel more confident talking with friends.

Today’s Objectives

• Practice friendly greetings and good eye contact
• Take turns speaking and listening
• Ask at least one follow-up question

Read each objective aloud. Emphasize that these are our goals for today. Point to each bullet as you discuss.

Greeting Warm-Up

  1. Greet your partner by name (“Hi, Alex!”)
  2. Check your tone and eye contact using the Small Talk Checklist
  3. Try two different greetings: “Hello” and “Hi”

(2 min) Greet each student by name as they enter. Model “Hello, [Name]!” on the whiteboard. Ask students to pair up and practice greeting using the checklist.

Turn-Taking Activity

• Pair up and shuffle the prompt cards
• Take turns drawing a card and asking your partner the question
• Use the Small Talk Checklist to guide tone, eye contact, and turn-taking

(5 min) Distribute the Conversation Prompt Cards. Shuffle and let each pair draw a card. Remind them to wait for their turn and listen carefully.

Follow-Up Question Practice

  1. Listen to your partner’s answer
  2. Ask a follow-up (“Why…?”, “How…?”, “What else…?”)
  3. Mark off at least one follow-up on your Small Talk Checklist

(4 min) Model a question and follow-up: “What’s your favorite game? Why do you like it?” Then have pairs practice with a new card, aiming for at least one follow-up question.

Reflection & Closing

• Share one skill you felt confident using
• Celebrate successes (“Great eye contact, Sam!”)
• Take an extra Small Talk Checklist for practice at home

(3 min) Bring the group back together. Invite each student to share one skill they practiced. Praise successes and hand out extra checklists for home practice.

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Activity

Conversation Prompt Cards

Use these cards for the Turn-Taking and Follow-Up Practice activities. Cut them apart and shuffle before distributing to pairs.

  1. What’s your favorite hobby?


  2. What’s your favorite subject in school?


  3. Do you have any pets? Tell me about them.


  4. What’s your favorite movie?


  5. Do you play any sports? Which one?


  6. What’s your favorite video game?


  7. What kind of music do you like?


  8. What’s your favorite song?


  9. Where would you like to travel?


  10. What’s your favorite food?


  11. What did you do last weekend?


  12. Do you prefer summer or winter? Why?


  13. What’s your favorite book?


  14. Do you enjoy cooking or baking?


  15. Do you have a favorite TV show?


  16. What do you like to do after school?


  17. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?


  18. What app do you use most on your phone?


  19. What’s your favorite holiday? Why?


  20. What’s one fun fact about yourself?
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Worksheet

Small Talk Checklist

Name: _______________________ Date: _________________

Instructions: After each conversation practice, check off each skill you used.

  • Greeted my partner by name ("Hello" or "Hi")

  • Used a friendly tone of voice

  • Maintained good eye contact

  • Waited for my turn to speak

  • Asked at least one follow-up question

Great work tracking your progress! Keep this checklist handy to become a Small Talk Superstar.

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