Sharing the Conversation Space

Thanks to Pinterest I found yet another Social Thinking theme to have with one of my groups this past week. This week I focused on sharing the conversation space. This group has more than its fair share of Chatty Cathy's and the counselors found it difficult to manage. In any given moment they could have two kiddos vying for their attention. 

I decided to show a short video to serve as an introduction to sharing the conversation space. In the video two boys are having a conversation about dogs. One boy dominates the conversation and does not give the other a chance to comment. The next segment provides the internal monologue of each boy, indicating what they were thinking and feeling. I had my group predict how each boy might have felt before we watched this segment. The final segment is a sort of 're-do' of the conversation in which both boys use their social thinking skills to allow each other ample "Air Time." The group was engaged throughout this video and I will definitely remember that as I plan for future sessions.

Video from www.tdsocialskills.com/video1.htm 

The second half of group was spent thinking about conversations in terms of a pie or pizza. It is important to provide everyone with equal "Air Time" in the group. I had a coloring worksheet for the kiddos to fill out that was pre-divided for the number of group members. We also discussed how counselors and other grown-ups can sometimes we "Air Hogs." In this discussion we talked about how often times counselors are given directions, trying to be helpful, or keeping you safe. One camper decided to draw the conversation space for his mother and he. Let's just say his perception of how much "Air Time" his mom got was interesting. However, working on that perception is another lesson for another day ;) !

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The counselors were impressed as to how engaged the group members were during the activities. I provided them with the visuals of sharing the conversation space and being an "Air Hog" to use as reminders throughout the summer. Previously, in their Morning Meetings, the group had made personal "Give Me 5" visuals for each camper as well as a speaker card. This was in an effort to use speaking and listening visuals as a reminder when one feels the need to interrupt or interject. 

Until next thyme,
Erika

P.S. Don't forget to follow me on Pinterest for even more ideas!