Stories
Sam rushed into the classroom just as the morning bell echoed through the hallway. His hair was messy, and he looked as if he had been running the whole way from the bus. When he sat down, he dug into his backpack and froze. His homework folder was missing. Sam remembered working on the assignment at the kitchen table, but he must have forgotten to pack it. He let out a long sigh, hoping the teacher wouldn’t ask for homework right away.
What did Sam forget?
Where had he worked on his homework?
When did Sam realize something was wrong?
How do you think Sam feels?
Is this a big or small problem?
His homework folder.
At the kitchen table.
When he checked his backpack after sitting down.
Worried, frustrated, or disappointed.
A small problem.
Jamie walked into class with wet hair and a raincoat. What can you infer happened on his way to school?
It was raining, and he probably got caught in it.
During a lesson, a student raises their hand before speaking. Expected or unexpected?
Expected
Emma’s shoulders are slumped, and she is staring at the floor. How might she be feeling?
Sad or disappointed.
You drop your pencil, and it rolls under your desk. What size problem is this?
Small
Lily noticed a new student, Ben, standing near the art shelf with his hands in his pockets. He looked around the room as if he wasn’t sure where to go or what to do. Lily walked over with a smile and showed him where the coloring supplies were kept. She shared her favorite set of markers and even helped him find a seat at her table. Within a few minutes, Ben started to relax, and the two of them quietly began drawing side by side.
Who did Lily help?
What did she share with him?
Where did Lily bring Ben?
Why do you think Ben looked unsure?
Was Lily’s behavior expected or unexpected?
Ben, the new student.
Her markers.
To her table with the coloring supplies.
He was new and didn’t know where things were.
Expected behavior.
Maya kept tapping her pencil and glancing at the clock. What can you infer she is waiting for?
She is waiting for something to happen soon (maybe lunch, dismissal, or an announcement).
A student walks away while the teacher is talking to them. Expected or unexpected?
Unexpected.
Noah is smiling widely and jumping up and down after hearing his name called. What emotion is he showing?
Excited or happy.
You forget your lunch, but the school can give you one. What size problem is this?
Small
The class was working on a math assignment when a loud fire alarm suddenly rang through the school. Everyone immediately stopped writing and looked up at the teacher. She calmly reminded them to line up by the door, and the students followed her instructions without talking. They walked outside to the field, where several other classes were already gathered in neat lines. The sun was bright, but the breeze made standing outside feel comfortable. After a few minutes, the principal announced it was only a drill.
When did the class line up?
Where did the students go during the drill?
What were they doing before the alarm rang?
Why is it important to be quiet during a fire drill?
What size problem is a fire drill?
When the fire alarm rang.
Outside to the field.
Working on a math assignment.
So everyone can hear directions and stay safe.
A small problem (just a drill).
The science lab smelled like smoke, and the teacher quickly opened windows. What can you infer happened?
Something overheated or burned during an experiment.
Two classmates take turns during a board game. Expected or unexpected?
Expected.
Alex is breathing fast, pacing, and keeps saying, “What if something goes wrong?” What emotion might he be feeling?
Nervous or anxious.
You and a friend disagree about what game to play at recess. What size problem is this?
Medium
Omar was walking toward the cafeteria, excited for pizza day, when he suddenly heard someone calling his name. He turned around and saw the office aide jogging toward him, waving a small slip of paper. Omar hurried back to meet her, confused about what he might have forgotten. When he reached her, she explained that his permission slip for the field trip hadn’t been signed yet. Omar felt embarrassed, but he thanked her and tucked the paper safely into his pocket so he wouldn’t lose it again.
Who was calling Omar?
What was she holding?
Why did Omar run back?
When did he realize he’d forgotten something?
Was running in this situation expected or unexpected?
The office aide.
A permission slip.
He thought he had forgotten something important.
When the aide told him his slip wasn’t signed.
Expected—he responded to an adult calling him.
Liam hid something behind his back and had a big grin on his face. What can you infer he is doing?
He is hiding a surprise or something he’s excited to show.
A student grabs materials from someone else’s desk without asking. Expected or unexpected?
Unexpected.
Tessa folds her arms, narrows her eyes, and speaks in a sharp tone. What is she probably feeling?
Angry or frustrated.
The fire alarm goes off during class. What size problem is this?
Medium problem (serious, but procedures are in place).
During a group science activity, Ava noticed her classmates arguing about whose turn it was to record data. Voices grew louder, and no one seemed interested in listening to each other. Instead of joining the argument, Ava quietly raised her hand and waited for the teacher to notice. When the teacher walked over, Ava calmly explained what was happening and suggested they create a turn-taking chart. The teacher agreed, and the group quickly settled down and returned to the experiment. Ava felt proud that she helped solve the problem without making it worse.
How did Ava handle the situation?
What were the students arguing about?
Who helped Ava’s group solve the problem?
Why was Ava’s strategy effective?
How might her group members feel about her solution?
She raised her hand, waited for the teacher, and calmly explained.
Whose turn it was to record data.
The teacher.
She avoided making the argument worse and offered a fair solution.
Relieved, grateful, or calmer.
The playground was empty, and all the kids were staring out the window at dark clouds. What can you infer is about to happen?
It is about to rain or storm.
A student apologizes after accidentally bumping into someone. Expected or unexpected?
Expected.
Jordan quietly leaves the group and sits alone with his hood up. What might he be feeling?
Upset, lonely, or overwhelmed.
A pipe bursts in the school and everyone must leave the building. What size problem is this?
Big