Everyday Conversation
Help children develop essential everyday conversation skills through simple, practical activities that encourage confident speaking, active listening and positive interactions with others.
Hello
1
Say “Hello” and wave.
2
Look together
Look at the picture. Say: “She is waving hello.”
Say “Hello” to a child and pause for their reply. Invite them to say hello or wave to a partner.
3
Try it together
Introduce yourself
1
Say who you are. “I’m…”
2
Look together
Look at the picture. Say: “He is telling someone his name”
Say who you are and ask “What’s your name?” Pause, then greet the child by name.
3
Try it together
Excuse me
1
Say “Excuse me” to get someone’s attention.
2
Look together
Look at the picture. Say: “She wants to tell someone something.”
Invite a child to say “Excuse me” or wave to you.
Respond: “I’m listening.” Give them time to share.
3
Try it together
I’m listening
1
Say “I’m listening” and give the speaker time.
2
Look together
Look at the picture. Say: “He is talking about his dinosaur. She is listening.”
Say: “I like dinosaurs.” Pause for the child to respond. Then listen while they tell you something they like.
3
Try it together
My turn. Your turn
1
Say “My turn and “Your turn.”
Look at the picture. Say: “One child is pretending to talk on the phone. The other is waiting for a turn.
2
Look together
Take turns with something. Wait after your turn so the other person has time to have a go.
3
Try it together
Make a choice
Choose your favourite car in the picture and say it. eg. “My favourite is the red one”.
1
2
Look together
Look at the picture. Ask: “Which car would you choose?”
Invite the child to point to or name a car in the picture.
Say: “You can choose the red one or you can choose the blue one”.
3
Try it together
What have you got?
1
Say “What have you got?” to ask a question.
2
Look together
Look at the picture. Say: “He is asking about her bucket.”
Invite the child to ask you: “What have you got?”
Point to something and name it. Swap turns.
3
Try it together
Let’s share
1
Say “Would you like this toy?” to share a toy you have.
Look at the picture. Say: “They each have a toy. They can share their toys with each other.”
2
Look together
3
Try it together
Offer the child a toy and invite them to share a toy they have. Take turns.
Can I play?
1
Say “Can I play?” to ask to join in.
Look at the picture. Say: “He wants to join in. She said he can build a tower with her.”
2
Look together
Invite the child to ask you: “Can I play?” Say “Yes!” and play with something together.
3
Try it together
Goodbye
1
Say “Goodbye” and wave.
2
Look together
Look at the picture. Say: “She is leaving. She is waving goodbye.”
Say “Goodbye” to each other and wave. Try it again when it is time to leave.
3
Try it together