On Topic or New Topic? Talking About Dinosaurs
A conversation about dinosaurs. The student sorts eight comments into ones that stay on dinosaurs and ones that start a new topic.
Drop here
Drop here
0/8 sorted
How to run it
Set the scene: two friends are talking about dinosaurs. Read each comment aloud and let the student sort it. Then ask what could help the new-topic comments fit, for example, that reminds me, my cat is like a dinosaur when she roars. Try a real conversation on a topic the student loves and count on-topic turns together.
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
Use a topic the student loves, and keep a picture of the topic in view as a reminder.
Use the partner's topic instead of the student's, and stretch the talk to more turns before shifting.
Matching IEP goal
Given a conversation topic, Student will make an on-topic comment or question, or bridge to a new topic with a linking sentence, 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
A conversation about dinosaurs and eight things someone might say next. Four stay on dinosaurs, like T. rex had really short arms and which dinosaur do you like best? Four start a new topic, like my cat sleeps all day and I got new shoes. The student sorts each comment. Starting a new topic is not wrong; knowing when you are doing it is the skill.
What to listen for
Notice whether the student sorts on topic words or meaning. I saw dinosaur bones at the museum stays on topic; some students sort it as new because of the word museum. Listen for whether the student can link a new topic back. Students with deep interests often stay on topic beautifully when the topic is theirs, which is a strength to build on.
Carrying it home
At home, play a topic game at dinner: pick a topic and see how many comments and questions the family can add before someone changes it. When the child switches topic suddenly, ask how it connects, with curiosity. Talking about your own favorite topics models how to share an interest and invite others in.
What's in this activity
- Stays on dinosaurs
- Starts a new topic
Questions
- Who is this for?
- Students in grades 1 through 4 learning to notice and maintain the topic of a conversation, including students who change topic often.
- 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.