The Creative Curriculum® for Kindergarten Intentional Teaching Cards™

LL84
Conversation Starters Objective 10
Uses appropriate conversational and
other communication skills
a. Engages in conversations
Related Objectives: 2c, 3a, 8a, 9b, 10b, 11a,
What You Do 18b, 18e

Materials: chart paper; marker; notecards with
conversation prompts on them
1. Show the students the notecards with the conversation
prompts on them. Explain that they will break into small
groups and discuss a provided prompt such as favorite
activities to do on the playground. Remind the students
about how to interact during a conversation.
“While having your conversations, remember how to be an
active listener.”
2. Talk with the students about appropriate ways to Including All Students
participate in a conversation. During the discussion, ask
• Divide students into larger or smaller groups
open-ended questions to prompt their thinking such as,
“How can you tell someone is listening to you?” or “How depending on their needs and abilities.
can you join a conversation?” or “How can you show • Allow students to participate for as long as
someone that you are listening to them?”
they feel comfortable.
“Who knew that there are rules for talking with your friends
and family?! When participating in a conversation with
• Choose prompts to discuss based on the
your friends or family members, it’s important to pay interest of the students.
attention to what everyone is saying and give everyone a
• Join the conversation with the small group
chance to respond.”
of students and prompt them as necessary.
3. O
 nce the conversations come to a natural end, ask the • Give all students time to express
students to form new groups and discuss a new topic. themselves.**

Teaching Sequence
Questions to Guide
Prompt the student to answer the question on the card. Continue to ask questions to encourage him to Your Observations
GREEN participate in a conversation. • In what ways did the student participate in
“What do you like to do after school? Where do you go to do that?” the conversation? (10a)

• How did the student adjust her speaking to

GREEN Invite the student to join a conversation. Encourage the student to answer prompts for three exchanges be understood by the group? (9b)
by asking additional questions as needed. • In what ways was the student attentive and
BLUE
“How do you get home from school each day? Who do you like to ride with on the bus?” respectful during the conversation? (10b)

BLUE Invite the student to work with a small group of two to three students. Support the student to continue
the conversation for more than three exchanges.
“If you ask Sarah a question about her dog, then she can give you more information and continue your
PURPLE conversation.”

PURPLE Observe the student as he engages in a conversation with two to three students. Use questions or
comments to prompt him as needed to continue the conversation for at least five exchanges.
“Jeremy, what else can you tell Benjamin about your favorite ice cream? Giving him more details might lead
him to ask you more questions or to tell you more about his favorite ice cream.”
PINK

Invite the student to work with a small group of three to four students. Observe how she asks and
PINK
answers questions during the conversation.
“I like that you repeated what Rachel said to show her that you were listening closely.”

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