Active Listening is an important skill set for students. It improves their understanding and retention of the material they are learning, so as you practice this skill with your teen, they’ll be doing better at making connections and better in their school work
Please don’t ask, “How was School Today?” “How was school today?” Right or wrong, what we teens hear is: “What did you learn today? Did you get good grades? What is your latest test score.” The New York Times has it right; when I hear it, I bristle all over. To keep the conversation flowing, we want to avoid things that make people defensive or are conversation killers. Here are a few examples: other Conversation Killers These are what I call Conversation Killers. There are many conversation killers; in this case, the “killer” is tied to the emotions linked to… Read More »How to get your Teen Talking
Conversation skills can make life easier by enabling effective communication with others. These lifelong skills can help your child build and maintain relationships. Conversation helps resolve conflicts and navigate a variety of social situations. Good conversation skills can lead to exceptional academic and professional success. Effective communication skills improve cooperation and understanding among individuals, leading to better problem-solving and decision-making. Here’s an easy mnemonic to remember the skills you want your child to master: Connect with Cable, C-A-B-L-E Why Cable? In 1877 the first copper-looped telephone cable was set up, reducing the noise over the phone line and helping people… Read More »Five conversation skills your child needs to know
January 2, 2023 Teenager Addison Vogt is launching her Kickstarter Campaign, The Conversation Game, her first product to help her peers connect when making conversations. Vogt’s design consists of three decks of cards known as The Conversation Game and can help teens connect, start talking, and have fun. The three decks each have their purpose. The first one provides ideas to kick off conversations. In the next deck, Addison Vogt deals with texting anxiety, something not uncommon among teens. Finally, a third deck helps deepen conversations, encouraging discussions and debates. Addison Vogt’s experience with isolation got her wondering if its… Read More »Teen Launches “The Conversation Game” To Connect Peers
BS is a fun, exciting game meant for older kids. It takes around 10 minutes and is based around the idea of bluffing. If you need a fun activity for a party or if you need something to keep you occupied with your friends, then this game is for you. For 3-8 players. Requires: For this game you will need 1 deck of cards, no jokers. Set up: Shuffle the cards. Then deal the cards so that every player has an equal number of cards. Goal – To get rid of your cards Play: Go around the circle, each player… Read More »Card Game: BS
The Math Game is a great card game for people who want to have fun but also learn. This game can be played as long as you want and is good for people of all ages. If you ever want to work on your math skills this game is for you. For 1, 2, or 3 players. Requires: For this game you will need 1 deck of cards, no jokers. Set up: Shuffle the cards then put 5 cards face up in a line facing both players. Then put one card above the others face down. This is the solution… Read More »Card Game: The Math Game
Speed is a fun, quick game to play with friends and family. It takes around 2 minutes to play and is a great game for all ages. If you ever need a quick activity to keep you and your friends busy, a couple rounds of speed is a great choice. For 2 players. Requires: For this card game, you will need 1 deck of cards, no jokers. Set up: Shuffle the cards, then set aside 8 cards, deal the remaining cards into 2 decks without looking at them. Then deal the 8 cards into 2 piles of 3 and 2… Read More »Card Game: Speed
James Bond is a fast-paced, fun card game that usually takes less than 3 minutes. This can be played with younger and older players, so it is a perfect fun family game for diverse age groups. Since it is so fast, it is a great game to play on game nights that get cut short by soccer practice or late-night homework. FOr 2, 3, or 4 players. Requires: For this card game, you will need 1 deck of cards, no jokers. Set up: Shuffle the cards, then deal into 13 piles of 4 cards each without looking at them. You… Read More »Card Game: James Bond