Art of Conversation: Social Skills, Talking, Listening, Social Self-Confidence

In this ongoing course, young learners develop the essential conversational skills they need to feel like their most confident selves in social situations! We explore fun and engaging ways to start and maintain conversations, listen actively, ask thoughtful questions, and express ideas with clarity and kindness. Along the way, students will learn how to build meaningful relationships by showing care and understanding in their conversations.

Each week, I provide a unique PDF activity, created by me, to reinforce the skills we’re learning. I send these materials out through the online classroom, and I encourage families to print them if possible to enhance your child’s class experience. If printing isn’t an option, no worries! Learners can easily follow along on the screen, and a blank sheet of paper works just fine for engaging in the activities. The activities are designed to be both fun and educational, helping your child practice what they learn in class in creative and interactive ways.

This course is all about empowering your child with the tools to converse with confidence, empathy, and kindness—skills that will help them thrive in friendships, family interactions, and beyond!

Let's have fun becoming the best versions of ourselves, together! 😁

Class Layout:
Mindfulness check-in
Deep breath to prepare our minds and bodies to learn something new 
Introductions 
Lesson on the week’s assigned topic/activity related to the week’s assigned topic
See you later! 

Please note that the course topics will cycle through on a 25-week basis. Learners may join and pause at ANY time! Schedule is subject to change.

Week of 12/15 - 12/21: I know how to end a conversation.
Week of 12/22 - 12/28: NO GROUP CLASS THIS WEEK DUE TO HOLIDAYS
Week of 12/29 - 01/04: NO GROUP CLASS THIS WEEK DUE TO HOLIDAYS
Week of 01/05 - 01/11: I know how to ask about others.
Week of 01/12 - 01/18: I know how to use backchannels and paraphrase to show I am listening and interested.
Week of 01/19 - 01/25: I know how and why to make eye contact.
Week of 01/26 - 02/01: I know how to own my tone of voice.
Week of 02/02 - 02/08: I know when it is okay to interrupt and how to do so politely.
Week of 02/09 - 02/15: I know how to show genuine interest.
Week of 02/16 - 02/22: I know how to speak politely. 
Week of 02/23 - 03/01: I know how to initiate and hold small talk. 
Week of 03/02 - 03/08: I know how to answer questions by adding appropriate detail. 
Week of 03/09 - 03/15: I know the difference between open and closed questions. 
Week of 03/16 - 03/22: NO GROUP CLASS THIS WEEK - Ms. Melanie is getting married! 🥳
Week of 03/23 - 03/29: I know the difference between one-sided and two-sided conversation.
Week of 03/30 - 04/05: I know how to tell a true story. 
Week of 04/06 - 04/12: I know how to stay on topic and ask follow-up questions. 
Week of 04/13 - 04/19: I know how to offer and read varied facial expressions.
Week of 04/20 - 04/26: I know when to change the topic and how to do so smoothly. 
Week of 04/27 - 05/03: I know how to identify put-downs and harmful comments. I know why I should not use them, and I have strategies to use if someone else uses them around me.
Week of 05/04 - 05/10: I know how to identify encouragement and compliments. I know why I should use them, and I know how to respond when someone uses them around me. 
Week of 05/11 - 05/17: I know how to state my opinion respectfully, and I know how to disagree respectfully.
Week of 05/18 - 05/24: I know how to be aware of my own body language and how to read other people's body language.
Week of 05/25 - 05/31: I know how to be an active listener.
Week of 06/01 - 06/07: I know how to speak with confidence. 
Week of 06/08 - 06/14: I know how to provide examples to paint a picture in someone's mind.
Week of 06/15 - 06/21: I know what to do when I meet someone new for the first time.
Week of 06/22 - 06/28: I know how to start a conversation, and I know how to maintain a conversation.