Learn to Build on What Your Friends Say

Building on comments means adding your own ideas to what someone else just said. You listen to your friend's words and then share something that connects to their idea. This could be a similar experience, new information, or another thought about the same topic.

When you build on what others say, you show that you are a good listener. You also help make the conversation grow and become more interesting for everyone.

First, you need to listen carefully to what your friend is saying. Pay attention to their words and think about what they are sharing. Then, think of something you can add that connects to their idea.

You can start your comment with words like "Yes, and..." or "I think..." or "Also..." These words help connect your idea to what your friend just said. Remember to wait for your turn to speak and use a clear voice.

Building on comments: Adding your own ideas to what someone else just said to help the conversation grow

Connect: To link your ideas with what your friend shared

Listen: To pay attention carefully to what someone is saying

Add: To share something new that goes with what was already said

Experience: Something that happened to you that you can share

Information: Facts or details that help others learn more

During circle time, listen when your friends share stories. Think of something similar that happened to you or something you know about the same topic. When it's your turn, share your idea using connecting words.

In show and tell, after someone shares their item, you can add information you know about similar things. If a friend shows a rock, you might share about a rock you found too.

Before you learn to build on comments, you need to know how to follow discussion rules and practice taking turns and asking questions. You also need to understand taking turns in conversation and continuing conversations through exchanges.

Building on others' comments connects to many other speaking and listening skills. You will also learn about building on others ideas in discussions and how to listen attentively and ask questions. These skills help you become a better communicator.

As you get better at building on comments, you will learn clarifying discussion topics through questions and gathering speaker information through questions. You will also practice complete sentences with clear volume and develop student agency voice expression skills.

Later, you will learn more advanced skills like building on group ideas and connecting speaker ideas through discussion. You will also practice following discussion rules respectfully.