Taking Turns in a Conversation and Not Interrupting

This lesson teaches children the importance of taking turns when speaking, listening actively, and avoiding interrupting others. It helps children understand that conversations are respectful when everyone gets a chance to speak without interruptions.

Mom: Sweetie, when we’re having a conversation, we should always take turns, right?
Child: Yes, like when we’re playing a game and it’s someone’s turn to play.
Mom: Exactly! And remember, it’s important to not interrupt when someone else is talking. Everyone needs a chance to speak.
Child: What do you mean by “interrupt”?
Mom: Interrupting is when you speak before the other person has finished talking. It’s like cutting them off, and it can be rude.
Child: Oh, like when I start talking while you’re still saying something?
Mom: Yes, that’s exactly what I mean! It’s important to wait until the other person finishes what they are saying before speaking. When we don’t interrupt, we show that we respect the other person’s words.
Child: But what if I really want to say something right away?
Mom: I understand, it’s hard to wait sometimes, but we can always make a signal if we want to talk. You can raise your hand or wait for a pause, then say, “I have something to add!”
Child: Hmm, so when they stop talking, I can say something?
Mom: Yes! And if you’re really excited to share, you can say, “I’ll wait for you to finish,” and listen carefully. You’ll be a great listener and have a more respectful conversation.
Child: Okay, I’ll try not to interrupt and wait my turn!
Mom: That’s great, I’m proud of you! You’ll notice that people will enjoy talking to you more when you listen and wait for your turn.

Vocabulary List

  • Conversation [ˌkɒnvəˈseɪʃən] (noun) – A talk between two or more people.
    Example: “We had a nice conversation about our plans for the weekend.”
  • Interrupt [ˌɪntəˈrʌpt] (verb) – To speak or act while someone else is speaking, which can be rude.
    Example: “It’s not polite to interrupt when someone else is talking.”
  • Respect [rɪˈspɛkt] (noun) – Showing care and consideration for others.
    Example: “We show respect by waiting for our turn to speak.”
  • Turn [tɜːn] (noun) – A chance to do something, especially in a conversation or game.
    Example: “Now it’s your turn to tell your story.”

Grammar Tips:

  • Using “Wait for your turn”: This phrase helps children remember that they need to wait for their chance to speak.
    Example: “Remember, wait for your turn to speak.”
    Example: “We all need to wait for our turn when playing a game.”
  • Using “Excuse me, may I say something?”: If a child feels like they have something important to say, this polite phrase can be used.
    Example: “Excuse me, may I say something?”
    Example: “Excuse me, I’d like to add something after you’re finished.”
  • Using “Can I talk now?”: This is a gentle way to ask if it’s the right time to speak.
    Example: “Can I talk now, or should I wait?”
    Example: “Can I share my idea after you finish?”

FILL IN THE BLANK

Conversation with Missing Words

Mom: "Sweetie, when we’re having a , we should always take turns, right?"
Child: "Yes, like when we’re playing a and it’s someone’s turn to play."
Mom: "Exactly! And remember, it’s important to not when someone else is talking. Everyone needs a chance to speak."
Child: "What do you mean by ''?"
Mom: "Interrupting is when you before the other person has finished talking. It’s like cutting them off, and it can be rude."
Child: "Oh, like when I start talking while you’re still something?"
Mom: "Yes, that’s exactly what I mean! It's important to until the other person finishes what they are saying before speaking."
Child: "But what if I really want to say something right away?"
Mom: "I understand, it’s hard to wait sometimes, but we can always make a if we want to talk. You can raise your or wait for a pause, then say, 'I have something to add!'"
Child: "Hmm, so when they stop talking, I can say something?"
Mom: "Yes! And if you’re really to share, you can say, 'I’ll wait for you to finish,' and listen carefully. You’ll be a great and have a more respectful conversation."
Child: "Okay, I’ll try not to interrupt and wait my turn!"
Mom: "That’s great, I’m proud of you! You’ll notice that people will enjoy to you more when you listen and wait for your turn."

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