Conversation Time
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Conversation Time | |
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Language - Language Foundation | |
Level | Primary |
Age | 2.5+ |
Prerequisites | None |
Materials | Taped Line on Floor Vary according to lesson |
In this 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
- Invite the children to sit on the line.
- Explain that you have something to share with them.
- Share an object, picture, or story for discussion and questioning. Mr. Rogers does this exceedingly well when showing an object to children.
- Allow the children to take turns commenting.
- 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.
- Establish a system for taking turns talking, such as raising a hand or passing a special object.
- Try to keep the child on the topic at hand.
- Do as a small group activity at times.
- Keep the length of conversation appropriate to the developmental level of the children.
- Use your voice and body to encourage conversation.
- Be aware of your posture, so the children will model you.
Points of Interest
- Objects and topics of discussion
- Special chance to listen and observe each child
- Different points of view
- Difference between a question and a comment
- Taking turns during a conversation
Control of Error
- The teacher as moderator
- The established procedure for line activities
Variations and Extensions
- Bring two pictures and discuss similarities and differences
- Use a newspaper or magazine article or book as a conversation starter
- Problem solving as a group
- As the children get older, the teacher can encourage full sentence contributions
- Play the "Wondering Game" with older children. Encourage them to ask questions, like "I wonder what dogs see."
Material
- Taped Line
- Any object