Conversation Skills Cards

Conversation Skills Cards

Conversation is a complex social behavior made up of several discrete skills that children can learn and practice individually. These visual cue cards break conversation into manageable steps, giving children concrete strategies they can reference during social interactions. SLPs use these cards in therapy sessions, and parents can post them at home as visual reminders.

What These Cards Cover

The Conversation Skills Cards are a set of printable visual cue cards, each focusing on one key conversation skill:

Starting a Conversation

Visual prompts and example phrases for initiating interactions in different settings. Includes greeting strategies, comment starters, and question openers that children can practice and use with peers.

Staying on Topic

A simple visual checklist children can reference to stay connected to the current conversation topic. Includes cues like “Listen to what they said,” “Think about the topic,” and “Say something about the same thing.”

Taking Turns

Visual representation of the back-and-forth conversation pattern with reminders to listen, wait, and respond. Includes a simple turn-taking sequence that children can follow during structured practice.

Asking Follow-Up Questions

Examples of follow-up question starters organized by type (who, what, where, when, why, how). Shows children how to connect their question to what the other person just said.

Ending a Conversation

Polite closing phrases and cues for recognizing when a conversation is naturally ending. Includes body language signals to watch for and simple phrases children can use to wrap up an interaction.

How to Use These Cards

Print the cards and cut them apart. Introduce one skill card at a time during therapy sessions, practicing the target skill before moving to the next. Once children are familiar with all cards, use them as visual supports during conversation practice activities. Gradually fade the visual supports as children internalize the skills. Send copies home for parents to use during family conversations and social practice opportunities.