Build thinking skills through playful dialogue.
This isn't another conversation starter deck
Chirpy Conversation
This isn't another conversation starter deck.
Chirpy Conversation is a systematic approach to fostering children’s critical and creative thinking skills through scaffolded and playful dialogue.
Problem
Not all conversation is equal
MIT-Harvard research shows that: Children with more conversational turns show stronger brain activation and better language skills—regardless of family income or IQ. But here's what most families miss: Not all conversation is equal. Simple questions create simple answers. Sustained dialogue practice builds thinking skills.
Solution
BirdHouse is here to help
Chirpy Conversations takes a research-based approach to child development. Through meaningful dialogue, structured turn-taking, and collaborative idea-building, children naturally develop critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and communication skills—all while having fun together.
Trusted by Families, Backed by Research
Co-designed with real families over 2 years
Tested through 3 successful pilots
Crafted by Harvard and Cambridge alumni
Rooted in proven learning principles and research
Why Parents Choose Chirpy Conversation
Research-Backed Methodology
Every card builds on research and proven learning principles.
Develops Thinking Skills
BirdHouse systematically builds thinking skills and collaboration skills that your child will use forever.
Fits Your Real Life
Keep cards ready anywhere. Transform car rides, dinner prep, or waiting time into productive learning moments—no planning required.
Grows With Your Family
The same cards work for ages 5-12+. Younger children participate at their level while older ones dive deeper—true collaborative learning.
No Teaching Experience Needed
The prompt cards guide you through facilitating meaningful dialogue like an experienced educator—even if you've never taught before.
Artistic & Engaging
Hand-drawn scenario cards capture children's imagination while creating rich contexts for deep thinking.
Meet Our Founders
Lydia is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, Canada. She received her PhD in Education from the University of Cambridge, England. She has studied and worked in education field for over 12 years at some of the most prestigious institutions in the world. including Harvard University, where she met her co-founder Allie Johnston.
Allie Connors Johnston is a homeschooling parent of three children based in New England. A lover of and advocate for learning, she earned a Masters in Education from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and English from Boston College. For the last ten years, she has supported education publishers and organizations focused on learning as a consultant.
How does Chirpy Conversation work?
What if developing your child's thinking skills was as engaging as playing a game?
BirdHouse is the a systematic approach that teaches children critical and collaborative thinking skills through structured turn-taking and idea-building.
Here's how the game works:
Set the Scene: Place one beautifully hand-drawn scenario card and question card in the center
Deal Dialogue Tools: Each player gets 3 random prompt cards with specific dialogue moves
Build Ideas Together: Players take turns using their prompt cards to build on each other's responses: ◼︎ Add Ideas (building on others' thoughts) ◼︎ Think Deeper (analyzing from multiple angles) ◼︎ Make Connections (linking ideas together) ◼︎ Clarify (asking thoughtful questions) Summarize (synthesizing group thinking)
Sustain the Dialogue: Keep the conversation flowing until everyone has used all their cards
The result?
Your child learns HOW to think critically, creatively, and collaboratively through guided practice, not just WHAT to think about.
What makes Chirpy Conversation different from other conversation starter cards?
The difference: Other cards ask questions and stop. BirdHouse creates sustained collaborative dialogue where children build thinking skills
Other conversation cards:
Ask random questions
One person answers, conversation ends
No structure for building ideas
Entertainment-focused
Chirpy Conversation:
Systematic turn-taking with dialogue tools
Players build on each other's ideas using guided prompts
Sustained collaborative thinking until all cards are used
Skill development through structured practice
When and where can I use Chirpy Conversation?
🍕 While dinner's in the oven
🚗 Stuck in traffic or long car rides
🏥 Waiting rooms and appointments
✈️ Airport and flights
🛏️ Bedtime wind-down
📱 Screen-free family time
🎂 Birthday parties
🎄 Holiday gatherings
👫 Play dates and friend hangouts
😩 "I'm bored!" crisis No prep.
No supplies. No screens.
Just learning together, anywhere.
What ages are BirdHouse Chirpy Conversation cards designed for?
BirdHouse is designed as a multi-entry game where every age can participate meaningfully, from children as young as 5 to grandparents. Research shows that multi-generational discussions create richer learning experiences.
The beauty of our dialogue structure is that everyone has an entry point:
Younger children might share simpler ideas but often bring the most creative and unexpected perspectives
Older children and teens can use more sophisticated thinking while learning to build on others' ideas respectfully
Adults model collaborative dialogue skills while being genuinely surprised by insights from younger family members
Frequently Asked Questions
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