Conversation Time

Conversation Time
Language - Language Foundation
Level	Primary
Age	2.5+
Prerequisites	None
Materials	Taped Line on Floor Vary according to lesson

In this Circle Time activity the child or children engage in a conversation about an anecdote, object, or topic with the teacher, so they can learn or practice: sitting, listening, and speaking.

Presentation

1. Invite the children to sit on the line.
2. Explain that you have something to share with them.
3. Share an object, picture, or story for discussion and questioning. Mr. Rogers does this exceedingly well when showing an object to children.
4. Allow the children to take turns commenting.
5. After sufficient discussion, wrap up the conversation and dismiss the children from the line.

Notes

• The teacher needs to establish the proper way to sit on the line.
• Be aware of your posture, so the children will model you.
• Establish a system for taking turns talking, such as raising a hand or passing a special object.
• Try to keep the children on the topic at hand.
• Keep the length of conversation appropriate to the developmental level of the children.
• Use your verbal and non-verbal cues to encourage conversation.

Points of Interest

• Taking turns during a conversation
• Objects and topics of discussion
• Different points of view
• Difference between a question and a comment

Control of Error

• The teacher as moderator
• The established procedure for Circle Time activities

Variations and Extensions

• Bring two pictures and discuss similarities and differences
• Do conversation time with a small group of children
• Use a book as a conversation starter
• Problem solving as a group
• As the children get older, the teacher can encourage full sentence contributions