Back-and-Forth Talk: Ask Then Answer Cards
Ten conversation cards. The student answers, then asks the same question back to keep the turns going.
10 cards — tap to deal
0 / 10
How to run it
Read the card aloud and let the student answer. Then wait for them to ask you. If they do not, point to the second half of the card. Answer with a little detail so there is something for them to respond to, and see whether they add a comment. These cards are not scored on the board, so tally the turns you hear. Fade the second half once the habit forms.
Cueing ladder
Start at the top. Add support one step at a time.
- IndependentSet up the situation and wait for the student to respond on their own.Log as correct
- Nonverbal cueUse a look, a gesture or a point to the visual cue card.Log as cued
- Indirect promptAsk 'What could you say now?' or 'What might they be thinking?'Log as cued
- ModelShow what to say or do, then run the moment again so the student can try it.Log as cued
Adjust it
Pass a talking object back and forth so each turn is something the student can see and hold.
Practice with a peer instead of an adult, or in a game with three or more players.
Matching IEP goal
During structured conversation or play, Student will take a turn and hand it back, for example by asking a question in return, in 8 of 10 opportunities across 3 consecutive sessions, given no more than a nonverbal cue.
Send it home through the parent portal →About this activity
Ten conversation cards, each with two parts: answer, then ask back. Tell me your favorite food, then ask me mine. Tell me what you did after school, then ask me what I did. The asking back is the turn-taking skill. Many students answer questions well and then stop, leaving the conversation to the adult; these cards make handing the turn back part of every round.
What to listen for
Notice whether the student asks back without the card prompt. Listen for whether they respond to your answer, with oh cool or me too, before moving on. That small comment turns two separate answers into a conversation. Notice long monologues as well; a student with lots to say may need help pausing, not more prompts to talk.
Carrying it home
At home, use the same game at dinner or in the car: everyone answers a question and then asks the next person. Model asking back yourself. Keep questions about things the child enjoys, because conversations about loved topics are where turn-taking is easiest to practice.
What's in this activity
- Tell me your favorite food. Then ask me mine.
- Tell me what you did after school. Then ask me what I did.
- Tell me an animal you like. Then ask me which animal I like.
- Tell me something that made you laugh. Then ask me the same.
- Tell me a game you like to play. Then ask me about a game.
- Tell me where you would like to visit. Then ask me where I would go.
- Tell me your favorite color. Then ask me a question about colors.
- Tell me about a pet you know. Then ask me if I have a pet.
- Tell me what you want to be when you grow up. Then ask me the same.
- Tell me your favorite season. Then ask me why I like mine.
Questions
- Who is this for?
- Students in grades 1 through 4 working on back-and-forth conversation, especially students who answer but rarely ask back.
- Can I change the items?
- Yes. Open it in the Activity Studio, edit or add items and keep the same board, or switch it to another template that fits the content.
- Is it free?
- Yes. It plays free in the browser with no login. An account adds session data, goal scoring and assignment to a student.
Use this board with your caseload
With a free account, every correct, cued and incorrect mark is saved to the student and scored against their IEP goal, with the data written up for you. Assign it as home practice through the parent portal.
Track progress freeFree for SLPs. No card, no trial clock.