09/04/2026
Speaking and listening are skills our students practice every day, and sometimes the best learning starts with a fun conversation and a really good story.
Students shared memories about food while practicing core skills for education: organizing their thoughts, adding sensory details, speaking clearly, and expressing their ideas with confidence. They also practiced being active listeners by paying close attention to their classmates’ stories, showing they were engaged, and asking thoughtful follow-up questions to learn more. Questions such as “What happened next?” “What did it smell like?” or “Why was that moment special?” helped speakers add details and encouraged listeners to think more deeply about what they heard.
Families can keep the conversation going at home too! Pick a favorite meal, family tradition, vacation, or funny memory and ask your child to tell the story. Encourage them to add as many details as they can, then switch roles and let them practice being the listener. Remind them to listen carefully and ask thoughtful follow-up questions that invite the speaker to share more.
A simple, enjoyable conversation can build important speaking, listening, communication, and critical-thinking skills that support learning across every subject.
