Counselor's Corner at Calvert School: Eighth Age Students Build Conversations

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Eighth Age Students Build Conversations

Conversation Builders by the Eighth Age Students

8-2 Practicing Conversation Flow!

All sections of Eighth Age have been building conversations in Character Classes! The ability to build and maintain conversation is an important tool for friendships and social skills. Talking about and practicing words and expressions that facilitate conversations is a skill that can be fine-tuned by all. We started the lesson by discussing what words build a conversation as opposed to what "busts" one. If a student monopolizes, talks only about herself, or talks over others, that student may be challenged to maintain friendships and develop deep peer connections. On the other hand, a student who gives everyone a chance to talk, picks a topic that all are interested in, and has good eye contact, will be more inclined to have a multitude friendships.

After we brainstormed conversation builders and verbal "invitations" such as, "Good morning. How are you?" and "Let's do it together," each student wrote down his or her own conversation builder --they are now displayed on a bulletin board outside the auditorium.

Here are some examples from the students:

"Is there anything I can do for you?"
"I love your project"
"What is wrong? Are you OK?"
"Will you be my friend?"
"Sure, you can play!"
"That was awesome."
"Would you like to come bowling with me?"
"I missed you"

Students noticed how the reciprocal exchange and positive flow of conversations help develop friendships because they are showing interest in each other, and an understanding of what they have in common, as well as what makes them unique. An appreciation, certainly, develops!