Early in the year meeting times were often challenging, as many individual conversations were taking place simultaneously. We introduced the concept of private conversations versus group discussions, encouraging private conversations after meeting time.
Recently as we sat down together to listen to a story a ‘conversation’ ensued.
Is this a private conversation? Tait
We’re sitting down and I’m about to read a story. Is that a private conversation?
When do we have private conversations? Tait
You tell me.
Do we have them when we’re playing?
YES!
Do we have them when we’re outside?
YES!
During meetings?
NO!
Or in the car. Case
On my way to school. Jesse
Private conversations. Louis
I had a private conversation at meeting. Avery
Is that the right time?
We’re curious – what is a conversation?
Talking. Wes
When I’m reading is it a conversation because I’m talking?
It’s not a private conversation. Addie
It’s a conversation that’s private. Violet
A conversation is you talk and share and you show people some stuff and give people some stuff. Avery
Are we having a conversation now?
Yes. Violet
When we have snack do we have conversations?
A chorus of yes and no.
We can have conversations at Grandma Cathy’s house or at Winky and Bapa’s, at Lincoln and Florida and on the airplane. Case
Reflecting back on our discussion we wondered about the children’s understanding of conversations.
When we have meeting are we having a conversation?
No conversations at meetings. Julia
Meeting is a conversation. Avery
‘Cause we’re talking. Addie
Conversations when we’re playing. Case
On the playground. Parker
A conversation is a conversation – talking, reading. Case
Can you have a conversation by yourself?
You can’t talk to yourself and have a conversation. Avery
How many people do you need to have a conversation?
Three. Alex
Two. Wes
You can have a lot. Parker
But you can have just one person. Violet
No four. Jonah
Are we all talking at the same time?
One person is talking, the other person is listening. They’re telling somebody something they want to know. Parker
Someone talks to someone else and then they talk back. Elliott
You can have kid conversations, grown up conversations, Mum and Dad conversations, sister conversations, teacher conversations. Case
Parents. Parker
Grandma and Grandpa. Avery
I feel another conversation coming up. Case
Can a teacher have a conversation with a kid?
You can have a conversation with me. Addie
Can anyone have a conversation with anyone?
YES!
Oh, so it sounds like you can mix it up and have teacher/kid conversations, grown up/sister conversations or sister/brother conversations.
Help me understand, if three people have a conversation, do they all talk at the same time?
No, they take turns talking and listening. Alex