Conversation Steps Chart
Good talkers take turns. Read each step, then practice it with a grown-up or a friend.
Need more than one? Tap + for extra copies (up to 10).
How to do it
- Read each step with a grown-up.
- Act out each step together.
- Try the example at the bottom and pick the best reply.
Teaching tip
Keep it near the dinner table and point to a step when it's needed. This sheet is aligned with Common Core SL.2.1.
About this chart
Five picture steps for taking turns (look, listen, wait, stay on topic, comment or ask) and an example of a reply that keeps the talk going.
What kids practice
A conversation is like a game of catch. One person says something, and the other person catches it and tosses it back by staying on the same topic. Good talkers look at the speaker, listen to the whole idea, wait for their turn, add a comment or ask a question, and then pass the turn back. These skills help kids make friends, work in groups at school, and learn from the people around them (aligned with Common Core SL.2.1).
Watch for
- Changing the topic to something your child wants to talk about. Gently say, "Let's stay on this topic first."
- Interrupting. Practice waiting for a pause before talking.
- Answering with one word, like "Okay." Ask "Can you add a comment or a question?"
- Asking a question that was already answered. Remind your child to listen to the whole idea.
It's free to print, as many copies as you need. See the full taking turns in conversation guide for 2nd grade.
More sheets in this set
2. Pick the Best ReplyFour friends share something, each with three replies to choose from. One stays on topic and asks or comments, one is off topic, and one is unkind or ends the talk. Fewer and More change how many. Includes an answer key.
3. Ask a Follow-Up QuestionThree friends share something, and kids write a follow-up question on big blue writing lines, with a box of question words to help. Fewer gives two with more writing room, and More gives four. Includes example answers.
4. Conversation CardsSix topic cards with a picture and a question to start the talk, like "If you had a dragon, what would you name it?" Each card has a turn tracker. Every version has different topics.