Jan 29 2025 13 mins 1
Welcome back to Counselor Chat! In this episode, we’re diving into the often-overlooked but incredibly powerful tool of small talk. Whether you’re working with a shy first-grader or a skeptical high schooler, small talk is more than just casual chitchat—it’s a bridge to building trust, setting the tone, and paving the way for meaningful conversations.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
Episode Highlights:
- 🌟 Why small talk matters: Discover how these seemingly trivial conversations create a sense of safety and connection, especially for hesitant students.
- 🎯 Balancing small talk with therapeutic goals: Learn three practical tips to keep small talk intentional without letting it take over your session.
- 🛠️ Tips and tricks: Fun icebreakers and creative prompts to break the ice, like “Would you rather eat tacos forever or only pizza forever?”
- 📝 Real-life example: How inviting first-graders to lunch helped me assess their social skills and build rapport.
- 🤝 Using small talk to gain insight: How to listen for clues about a student’s hobbies, struggles, and personality.
Links and Resources:
Chit Chat Conversation Starters
Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast
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Connect with Carol:
- TpT Store
- Counseling Essentials Website
- Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group
- Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group
- High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group
Mentioned in this episode:
