Starting a Conversation

Social Interactions

Pre-K, Elementary, Middle School, High School

Learning Objectives

Understand why starting a conversation can feel challenging
Learn and practice step-by-step strategies to start a conversation
Use greetings like “hi” or “good morning” to show friendliness
Ask a simple question to express interest in the other person
Practice listening attentively to the other person’s response
Learn how to keep the conversation going by commenting or asking follow-up questions
Build confidence and comfort in social interactions through practice

Aligned Common Core Standards

Kindergarten
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1 – Participate in collaborative conversations
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.6 – Speak audibly and express ideas clearly
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.K.6 – Use words and phrases acquired through conversations

Grade 1
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1 – Participate in collaborative conversations
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.4 – Describe events or experiences with relevant details
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.6 – Use language to express ideas and feelings

Grade 2
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1 – Engage in conversations with peers and adults
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.3 – Ask and answer questions to clarify understanding
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.6 – Use acquired vocabulary to express and respond socially

Grade 3
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.1 – Engage in collaborative discussions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.3 – Ask and answer questions to understand and engage with others
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.6 – Use vocabulary to express thoughts, questions, and social skills

Grade 4
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1 – Participate effectively in group discussions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.3 – Identify reasons and evidence a speaker provides
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.6 – Use precise vocabulary to interact and respond to others

Grade 5
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1 – Engage in respectful discussions, building on others’ ideas
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.3 – Summarize points a speaker makes and explain responses
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.6 – Use academic and interpersonal vocabulary in social contexts

Grade 6
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1 – Participate in collaborative discussions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.3 – Delineate a speaker’s purpose and tone
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.6 – Use vocabulary appropriate for social and academic discussions

Grade 7
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1 – Engage in collaborative discussions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.4 – Present ideas clearly and respond appropriately in conversation
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.7.6 – Use vocabulary to express social awareness and purpose

Grade 8
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1 – Initiate and participate in collaborative conversations
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.3 – Evaluate how speakers express their ideas and respond
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.8.6 – Use precise language in a variety of social interactions

SMART Goal Ideas Bank

The student will demonstrate the steps for starting a conversation (smile, greet, ask a question, respond) in 4 out of 5 role-play trials by [date].
The student will use an appropriate greeting (e.g., “hi,” “hello”) to begin an interaction in 4 out of 5 structured opportunities by [date].
The student will ask a simple topic-related question to initiate conversation in 3 out of 4 social scenarios by [date].
The student will respond with a related comment or follow-up question after listening to a peer’s response in 4 out of 5 guided activities by [date].
The student will describe the steps to starting a conversation using a visual or verbal prompt in 3 out of 4 discussions by [date].
The student will express increased confidence or comfort in starting conversations through verbal reflection or sentence completion in 3 out of 4 sessions by [date].