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one & Expression Detectives
one & Expression Detectives
Read this sentence in a confused tone and describe what your face should look like: "Wait, are we supposed to turn this in today?"
Answer: Voice goes up at the end (rising pitch), raised eyebrows, slightly tilted head.
Combine these two ideas using the transition word "because":
Idea A: John practiced his speech every week.
Idea B: He felt confident during his class presentation.
Answer: John felt confident during his class presentation because he practiced his speech every week.
Ben wants to play basketball at recess, but Leo wants to play 4-Square. What is a quick compromise?
Answer: Play basketball for the first half of recess and 4-Square for the second half (or take turns on alternate days).
Turn this fact into an opinion using an opinion-signaling starter: "Math class is at 10:00 AM."
Answer: Example: "I feel like Math class at 10:00 AM is the hardest part of the day."
You just lost a close round of Battleship. State a resilient coping phrase you can say to your opponent immediately.
Answer: "Good game!" or "Nice job, that was really close!"
Read this sentence in a sincere tone versus a sarcastic tone. Explain the difference in your voice pitch and speed: "Oh, that is just great."
Answer: Sincere = warm, steady speed, smooth pitch. Sarcastic = drawn out/slower speed, flat or dramatic pitch shift, eye roll.
Fill in the blank with a cause-and-effect transition word (therefore, since, as a result): "The storm knocked out the school's electricity; __________, the principal canceled afternoon classes."
Answer: Therefore / As a result.
In group work, Matthew wants to type the slides and Salvador wants to write on the poster board. Identify both points of view.
Answer: Matthew prefers digital presentation tools; Salvador prefers visual/physical art displays.
Identify whether this statement is a Fact or an Opinion: "This is the most boring book we've read all year." How can you rewrite it using an "I" statement?
Answer: Opinion. Rewrite: "In my opinion, this book is hard to stay interested in."
A peer next to you keeps tapping their foot loudly against your chair. What is a calm, respectful statement you can use?
Answer: Example: "Hey, could you please stop tapping my chair? It's making it hard for me to focus."
Describe the exact voice tone, facial expression, and body language needed to deliver this message respectfully: "I can't hear the teacher when you tap your pencil."
Answer: Calm/even tone, eye contact, neutral/serious face, relaxed shoulders (no yelling or glaring).
Build a complex sentence showing cause and effect using the word "although" about losing a close board game.
Answer: Example: "Although our team lost the game by one point, we played really well together."
Two students want the last computer in the lab. One needs it for a research paper due next period; the other wants to check game scores. What is a fair resolution?
Answer: The student with the immediate assignment gets the computer first; the other student waits or uses a phone/library computer.
Express a differing viewpoint to a peer who says "Soccer is way better than video games" using the phrase "From my perspective..."
Answer: Example: "From my perspective, video games are more fun because you can play with friends online."
You receive corrective feedback from your SLP on a wrong sentence structure. Give a neutral/positive coping response.
Answer: "Got it, thanks for the help" or "I understand, I'll try it that way next time."
Role-Play Challenge: Act out telling a friend that you lost their borrowed jacket. Use a remorseful/apologetic tone and describe your facial expression.
Answer: Quiet/soft voice, slower speed, slight frown, direct eye contact or looking down nervously.
Fix the transition error: "It was pouring rain outside; however, everyone put on their raincoats and stayed inside."
Answer: Change "however" to "therefore" or "so" (since staying inside is a direct logical result of rain).
A group member isn't pulling their weight on a project. State the problem from both perspectives without placing blame.
Answer: Group perspective: Worried the project won't be done on time. Student perspective: Might feel confused about what step to do next or overwhelmed.
Why is it important to use phrases like "I think" or "I feel" during a disagreement instead of stating your view as absolute fact?
Answer: It prevents the other person from getting defensive and shows you recognize different people have different views.
Role-Play Challenge: A peer accidentally knocks your papers off your desk. Demonstrate a calm tone of voice and a neutral facial expression while responding.
Answer: Stay calm, no sighing/glaring, say in an even tone: "It's okay, I'll help pick them up."
A student says "Thanks a lot" with a flat voice, crossed arms, and a quick glare. What was their communicative intent?
Answer: They were annoyed/frustrated (sarcastic), not actually thankful.
Create a complex sentence using "since" at the very beginning of the sentence to show cause and effect about a student missing directions.
Answer: Example: "Since Marcus was looking at his phone, he missed the teacher's instructions for homework."
Pitch a win-win compromise for two group partners where one wants to finish the entire project during lunch and the other wants to eat with friends.
Answer: Work for 10 minutes at the start of lunch, then spend the remaining 20 minutes eating with friends.
Rephrase this blunt statement into a polite, opinion-signaled response: "That idea is terrible and won't work."
Answer: Example: "I see what you're trying to do, but I think we might run out of time if we try that approach."
Your group selects an idea you didn't vote for. State your acceptance using a coping phrase and an opinion starter.
Answer: Example: "I think my idea would have been fun, but I understand why the group chose this one. Let's do it!"