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Taking Turns in Conversations

This lesson helps young learners take turns in conversations by responding to a partner's comment and asking a follow-up question. Short examples show how to keep a talk going back and forth, like playing catch with words, instead of stopping after one turn.

Introduction

Talking with a partner is like playing catch with words. One person talks, then it is the other person's turn. In this lesson, you will practice two things: answering what your partner says, and asking a follow-up question so the conversation keeps going for many turns.

Answer What Your Partner Says

When it is your turn, do not just wait quietly. Say something back that matches what your partner said. This is called responding.

Say your partner tells you, "I saw a bird at the park." You can respond with, "I like birds too! I saw one on my window." Now you have both had a turn, and the talk is still going.

A good response stays on the same topic. If your partner talks about a bird, do not suddenly talk about your shoes. Stay on birds for a few more turns first.

Ask a Follow-Up Question

A follow-up question is a question you ask after your partner talks, so you can learn more about what they just said. It keeps the conversation from stopping.

Question words help you build a follow-up question fast: who, what, where, when, and why. If your partner says, "My dog ran away," you can ask, "Where did you find him?" or "Was he scared?"

Try this pattern with a partner: your partner makes a comment, you respond, then you ask a follow-up question. Your partner answers your question, and now the conversation has four full turns instead of just one.

See the Turns in Order

Look at the picture. Turn 1 is a comment. Turn 2 is a response that stays on topic. Turn 3 is a follow-up question. Turn 4 answers the question. Four turns, one topic, no stopping!

Key Terms & Definitions

Taking turns: Waiting until your partner is done talking before you talk.

Responding: Saying something back that matches what your partner just said.

Follow-up question: A question you ask right after your partner talks, so you can learn more.

Comment: A short thing you say to share your thought, like "I like that!"

Topic: The main thing you and your partner are talking about, like puppies or the park.

Question words: Words like who, what, where, when, and why that help you ask good questions.

Practice Activities

Pick a partner and take turns telling one thing about your weekend. After your partner talks, respond first, then ask one follow-up question before it is your turn to share.

Play a "keep it going" game: set a goal of six turns on one topic, like a class pet or a favorite game, using only comments and follow-up questions.

Related lessons

Continuing Conversations Through Exchanges