Read the Room
What does it mean to read the room?
Matching our words and actions to the environment around us.
What is an inference?
A conclusion based on evidence taken from the environment around us.
your friend tells you he is worried about the quiz today. He says his parents told him that if he fails another test he would not be allowed to go to the beach this weekend. He says he has not have time to study and will be in the library later in the day. Make a social inference about being in the library.
students describe what they typically see and hear in a library, what their friend might be doing.
Reading the room leads to what kind of inferences?
How loud or quiet we should be, what topics to talk about, where to go, what to do, and how to interact with certain people.
When do we make social inferences?
All the time!
Think back to your friend in the library. How do you think he is feeling in that moment?
Stressed, anxious, worried, nervous, etc.
How do we read the room?
Stop and look at your whole environment, listen to who is talking and what they are saying, identify social expectations for the situation.
What are the typical expectations for your classroom?
Participate in classroom activity, complete work, appropriate interactions with peers, voices off when someone is speaking, listening to the speaker, asking for help when needed, advocate for a break if needed, etc.
Why do you think your friend may be feeling that way?
He is trying to study last minute for his test and is worried about not getting to spend time with his friends over the weekend if he does not get his grades up.
You are in the East Hall sitting with your class at a table. There are other classes in the room. You see Ms. Sibley standing in front of the podium with the microphone. What inferences can we make about the social expectations of this situation?
Listening to Ms. Sibley, voices are off while others are speaking, positive peer interactions, practicing patience, keep hands to ourselves, etc.
What inferences can be made about the SRR parties?
Students at SRR have completed their work, engage appropriately with peers and staff, use respectful language, are safe physically and verbally
Imagine you have a funny story to tell your friend and you know he would love it because he has the same sense of humor. Do you think it would be an appropriate time to tell him this story? Why or why not.
It would not be appropriate because he is trying to focus on school work and any distractions may increase his stress/anxiety because he is not prepared for the quiz.
Identify the typical expectations when the class is asked to leave the room if another student is having a hard time?
Follow staff directions, leave the room quietly with staff, bring work/options to keep busy while outside of the classroom, remain with staff in alternative space until allowed back to class, etc.
What inferences can you make when you first arrive to school and go from transportation to the classroom?
students describe what they see, hear, and general vibe of the environment around them
What would be a more appropriate thing to do when you see your friend in the library?
Offer to help him study, leave him alone, let him know you want to chat later in the day to tell your funny story