Build basic conversation skills.
Conversation skills like knowing how to take turns during a conversation or knowing how to begin and continue a conversation are crucial. Sometimes students may need help developing them. Dialogue lines provides a model of courteous communication for students to follow during conversations.
Integrating This Into Your Lessons
To begin, place students in two straight lines (one will be line A and the other line B) sitting or standing across from a partner.
Ask students to shake hands with their partner and share their name to make sure everyone has a partner. Then students take turns completing a short conversation that is written out on the board or projected. When the teacher points to line A the whole line says the written statement or question. Then line B answers.
The conversation continues for about four to six lines. Then partners are invited to finish the conversation by adding lines. The dialogs created can be shared with the class. All dialogs will begin with the same four to six lines and then the ending will be unique. This establishes expectations for an exchange and helps students learn question starters that deepen a conversation.
Here’s an example of some pre-scripted lines you can provide for your students:
Line A: I think ____________________
Line B: Interesting, I also think (or I disagree with) ________________________. What makes you think that?
Line A: I think _________________ because _______________________. Why do you agree/disagree?
Line B: I agree/disagree __________________ because ____________ . Let’s identify our common ground – the areas were we agree.
1. Ask learners to form two equal circles facing each other. Each circle could have an identifying quality – like works with young children on the inside and older children/adults on the outside circle.
2. Ask learners on the outside to introduce themselves and tell their partner about ______for one minute. Call time and then ask the inside person to do the same. Call time and now allow a short exchange time for asking questions and making connections with your partner.
3. Ask learners to move two people forward a round their circle – to find a new partner.
4. Repeat the exchange of experiences with each person having a designated time for speaking and then a short exchange.
5. Debrief by asking learners to share what they heard from a partner.