Babble Buddies

Description

Babble Buddies is a small group for children who love to talk — but may need support learning how to talk with someone, not just at someone.

This group focuses on helping young children develop the foundational skills for reciprocal conversation, using the structure of:

Starting a conversation
Keeping a conversation going
Ending a conversation appropriately

Using elements of the evidence-based PEERS® program from UCLA, Babble Buddies helps children build real-world communication skills that support lasting friendships and closer relationships with family, peers, and teachers.

Whether it’s learning how to notice someone else’s feelings, respond to a friend’s comment, or take turns choosing a topic — this group turns conversation into a playful, purposeful learning experience.

Why This Group Matters

Many children between 4 and 6 have strong verbal skills — but still struggle to stay in a conversation unless it’s about their favorite topic.

Babble Buddies is for those children who might say a lot, but miss the cues of others are trying to connect. We help them learn how to:

Tune into what someone else is saying
Respond meaningfully even when it’s not their preferred subject
Be curious about other people’s thoughts, feelings, or experiences
Respect the natural flow of conversations (not interrupting, shifting too fast, or walking away abruptly)

This helps children build social trust, stay connected longer, and form more rewarding peer relationships.

3 Routines

Welcome & Greeting Game – practice saying hi, joining a group, or noticing who’s there
Circle Time – introduce the week’s skill (e.g. “asking follow-up questions,” “taking turns talking”)
Puppet Theater Practice – model and rehearse social conversation skills using characters and stories
Partner or Small Group Activity – children try the skill of the day in structured peer interactions with support
Free Play with Conversation Prompts – children play naturally while adults help reinforce the day’s learning objective
Wrap-Up Reflection – review what went well, praise skill used, and plan how to try it at home

Each week follows a predictable rhythm, balancing teaching with real peer connection.

[Example Activities]

“Asking someone else a question” – puppet shows, question dice games, “conversation spinner” activities
“Showing you’re listening” – mirror listening games, emotion face match, “guess what they’re talking about” game
“Changing the topic politely” – group story building, “topic swap” game
“Saying goodbye nicely” – role-play playground goodbyes, farewell puppet songs
“Making a comment back” – “That’s cool!” card decks, partner storytelling

All activities are designed to support natural conversation in kid-friendly ways, using visuals, movement, role play, and embedded play opportunities.

✅ Is This the Right Group for Your Child?

Q: My child talks a lot — but mostly about what they want. Will this group help?

A: Yes — that’s exactly who this group is for. Babble Buddies helps children learn that conversation is a shared experience, not just self-expression. We teach them how to stay connected, even when the topic isn’t their top interest.

Q: My child has no language delays, but still struggles with friendships. Is this the right fit?

A: Absolutely. Many socially struggling children are highly verbal, but lack the skills to build and maintain conversations — leading to missed connections. This group helps bridge that gap.

Q: What if my child is shy or takes time to warm up?

A: That’s okay. Our routines are consistent and gently designed. Children are never forced to speak on demand, but encouraged through modeling, puppets, and low-pressure turn-taking games.

Q: What kind of child is Babble Buddies best for?

A: This group is ideal for children who: