Social Cues
What is a social cue and what does it help us do?
Social cues are clues we use when we talk to someone else to figure out what they might be thinking or feeling
How do you know when it is a good time to jump into a conversation?
It's a good time to talk (for example, at lunch or recess), the person is not busy doing something, and they are showing you social cues that they are listening
Give an example of a connected comment or question you could use if someone tells you what their plans are for the weekend.
1. Ask connected questions about their plans using 'w' questions (with who, where, when, why)
2. Make a connected comment
What are topics that may not be appropriate for to use for a conversation?
What social cues show someone that you are using active listening?
Eye contact, body facing the person, mouth is quiet and ears are listening
Give an example of a question you could use to start a conversation
How are you?
What are you doing this weekend?
What do you think of the weather today?
What are you going to be for Halloween?
How long should your turn of a conversation be if you are planning a playdate with a friend?
Long
If you really love dinosaurs but your friend does not like them at all, would you choose dinosaurs as a topic for conversation with them?
No! You can pick something that you do have in common instead
If someone has their shoulders facing down, head facing down, a frown, and a slow, quiet voice. What might they be thinking or feeling?
They could be feeling sad and might be thinking about something that upset them
Give an example of a comment you could use to start a conversation
I am so excited that it is Friday and almost the weekend!
I am glad that hot lunch changed to chicken nuggets today.
I'm feeling upset that the weather is so rainy.
I like your shoes.
How do you know when it is your turn to be a speaker in the conversation using the conversation stoplight?
The person just asked you a question, the person has stopped talking and there is a pause
Let's pretend it's December. Would you choose to talk to someone about what their plans are for summer vacation? Why or why not.
No, this would not be the best topic because summer vacation isn't happening for a while if it's December and can be awkward to talk about then.
Act out what social cues someone might have if they are feeling confused about what someone else is saying to them
Eyebrows are raised, head is tilted, shoulders are shrugged, tone of voice goes up at the end of their sentence to ask a question
Act out how you would start a conversation with someone about Halloween.
You could ask what they are being for Halloween, what their favorite Halloween candy is, or if they are excited for Halloween. You could also tell them that you feel excited for Halloween or share what you are dressing up as.
How long should your turn in a conversation be if someone asks you what you are having for lunch? Act it out.
Short. You would answer their question by telling them what you are having for lunch.
Your friend just went to see the Taylor Swift movie with their grandparents who are visiting from California. They also like trains. Both of your favorite Taylor Swift song is Cruel Summer. You haven't seen the Taylor Swift movie yet but you really want to.
What do you think a good conversation topic might be with this friend? Act it out.