Joining a Group Already Talking
Pragmatics · Grades 4–10 · 10 cards · about 20 min
Entry scenarios for a conversation that is already running, which is the peer-interaction moment students most often describe as the hard one.
Two people are already talking about a show you have not seen. Walk up and join without changing the topic.
Say it out loud
What's in this activity
- Two people are already talking about a show you have not seen. Walk up and join without changing the topic.
- A group is planning a project. Join it and offer one specific thing you could do.
- Two classmates are laughing about something you missed. Join in without asking them to start over.
- A group is arguing. Join without picking a side straight away.
- You want to sit at a table that is already full of conversation. Say your opening line.
- A group is talking about a game you play too. Join and say something that shows you know it.
- You joined and nobody responded. Say what you do next.
- A group is talking about plans that do not include you. Join and find out whether you can come.
- Two people are talking quietly. Decide out loud whether to join at all, and say why.
- You are the person already talking and somebody joins badly. Say what would have worked better.