Making a conversation rules class poster (IMS-M4-02-EN)

• Thinking about what constitutes a good conversation
• Thinking about ways in which a good conversation can be achieved
• Thinking about how bad conversations can be avoided

• First-liners

1. The aim of this activity is to work together with the class to make a list of rules for a good conversation. This list will be made into a poster that can then be hung up in the classroom to remind the students of the rules that they set up together.

2. Divide the students in groups of four. Each group should discuss what they would find important for enabling good conversation in the classroom. One student in each room writes down the points that come up.

3. If students have trouble coming up with some rules for good conversations, you can help them by providing some guiding questions:

• Who gets to speak?
• What should others do while someone is speaking?
• What if you do not agree with someone?
• What is the goal of a conversation?

4. After fifteen minutes, all students should gather in one big circle. Each group presents the rules that they came up with. The teacher can moderate the presentations and discussion by asking whether other groups agree or came up with similar rules, or whether they think some changes to this rule are necessary.

5. During this group discussion, the teacher should summarize the main rules that come out. The teacher can also propose rules him/herself when they notice certain important topics are not touched upon. Some rules that could be included are:

• Encourage each other to speak
• Watch each other and listen to each other
• Respect someone’s opinion
• Use arguments to explain your position
• Use constructive criticism if you do not agree
• Try to reach a conclusion that everyone feels good about

6. The final part of the activity consists of creating the poster that contains all the conversation rules the group came up with. The teacher provides a large poster-size sheet of paper, markers, stickers, etc. Together, the class designs the poster. It is also possible that the groups each design a smaller poster about one role, which can then be combined in one big poster to make the task more feasible in large groups of students.

• Poster-size sheets of paper
• Markers
• Stickers
• Other materials for designing and creating the poster.

• Discussion 
• Creativity

Make sure to summarize the rules the students come up with adequately and to propose ideas when they seem stuck.

No