General
Give me an example of something that you might have a common with a peer.
School
Homework
Video Games
TV shows
What is a common interest?
Something that you have in common with another person.
You want to talk to a group of people who are talking about school. You enter the group and start talking about a movie you saw on Saturday. Appropriate or Not Appropriate? Why?
Not appropriate. When entering a conversation, always stick to the topic being discussed by the group. Once you have been accepted into the conversation, wait for a pause before changing the subject.
Give me a reason why you might not be accepted into a conversation.
The person/people were talking about something personal.
Maybe the person/people aren't nice and don't want to include new people into the conversation.
How can you tell when someone is interested in talking to you?
Eye contact
Body facing you
Talking to you/asking questions
You notice a new student in your class who is reading a book about Pokemon. You also like Pokemon, so you approach the new student and talk to him about Pokemon. Appropriate or Not Appropriate? Why?
Appropriate. When trying to start a conversation with someone you don't know, always look for a common interest to begin the conversation.
What is body language?
It's the way people use their body to tell someone how they are feeling, without using words. For example, if someone is upset, they may have their hands over their face. If someone is angry, they may stomp their foot or make a fist.
Why is it important to find a common interest when trying to start or join in a conversation?
So that you have something to talk about that interests everyone involved.
When accepted into a conversation, you continue to talk and talk, without allowing anyone else to speak. Appropriate or Not Appropriate? Why?
Not appropriate. When you are accepted into a conversation, allow others to speak. It is important to share/exchange information with people during a conversation. You don't want to be a conversation hog!
What is a peer?
Someone of your age or close to your age that has similar life experiences. For example, your peer would be a middle school student, not a teacher.
Why is it important to wait for a break/pause in the conversation before entering?
Because it you don't wait for a break/pause, then it is considered interrupting, and it is rude. People may not want to talk to you if you interrupt.
You are at the school assembly with your classmates. You and a friend are talking about a video game that involves weapons and gore. Where is this on the conversation scale? Why?
Probably 3 to 4. There may be younger kids around, or peers who are triggered by those topics. Also, you should be thinking about the assembly!