Changing the Topic

Social Interactions

Pre-K, Elementary, Middle School

Learning Objectives

Identify common reasons for changing the topic in a conversation
Recognize social cues that signal it may be time to change the topic
Describe how to change the topic in a polite and respectful way
Demonstrate how to wait for a pause before switching topics
Use transition phrases to smoothly shift from one topic to another
Explain how staying aware of others’ feelings helps when changing the topic
Practice changing the topic without interrupting or confusing the other person
Understand that changing the topic can help conversations stay interesting and comfortable for everyone

Aligned Common Core Standards

Kindergarten
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1 – Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about kindergarten topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1.B – Continue a conversation through multiple exchanges

Grade 1
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1 – Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1.B – Build on others’ talk in conversations by responding to the comments of others through multiple exchanges

Grade 2
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1 – Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 2 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1.B – Build on others’ talk in conversations by linking comments to the remarks of others
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1.C – Ask for clarification and further explanation as needed about the topics and texts under discussion

Grade 3
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.1 – Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 3 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.1.B – Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., gaining the floor in respectful ways, listening to others, speaking one at a time)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.1.C – Ask questions to check understanding of information presented, stay on topic, and link their comments to the remarks of others

Grade 4
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1 – Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 4 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1.B – Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions and carry out assigned roles
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1.C – Pose and respond to specific questions to clarify or follow up on information, and make comments that contribute to the discussion and link to the remarks of others

Grade 5
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1 – Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1.C – Pose and respond to specific questions by making comments that contribute to the discussion and elaborate on the remarks of others

Grade 6
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1 – Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1.C – Pose and respond to specific questions with elaboration and detail by making comments that contribute to the topic, text, or issue under discussion

Grade 7
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1 – Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1.C – Pose questions that elicit elaboration and respond to others’ questions and comments with relevant observations and ideas that bring the discussion back on topic as needed

Grade 8
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1 – Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1.C – Pose questions that connect the ideas of several speakers and respond to others’ questions and comments with relevant evidence, observations, and ideas

SMART Goal Ideas Bank

The student will identify at least three appropriate reasons for changing the topic during a conversation in 4 out of 5 opportunities by [date].
The student will wait for a natural pause before changing the topic in structured conversation tasks in 4 out of 5 opportunities by [date].
The student will use a polite transition phrase (e.g., “Speaking of…,” “That reminds me…”) to change the topic in 3 out of 4 conversation practices by [date].
The student will respond appropriately when a peer changes the topic by maintaining engagement in 4 out of 5 structured interactions by [date].
The student will demonstrate the ability to change the topic without interrupting in 4 out of 5 role-played conversations by [date].
The student will describe the steps for changing a topic respectfully in 2 out of 3 verbal or visual prompts by [date].
The student will maintain a topic for at least three exchanges and then transition to a new topic appropriately in 3 out of 4 sessions by [date].
The student will demonstrate awareness of social cues (e.g., boredom, silence, confusion) indicating a topic change is needed in 4 out of 5 scenarios by [date].