Social Clues
Teacher is silent, serious, and no one is talking.
👉 What should you do when you enter?
Enter quietly / follow the mood of the room
Marcus slams his locker and says “nothing” is wrong.
👉 How is he likely feeling?
Angry, upset, frustrated
Marcus says “nothing,” but avoids eye contact.
👉 What does this REALLY mean?
Something is wrong
A student didn’t study for a test.
👉 What might happen?
They may do poorly
Instead of continuing a long story…
👉 What is a better response if someone looks busy?
“I can tell you later”
A person looks at the clock and says, “I have to go soon.”
👉 What are they trying to tell you?
They want to end the conversation
Students sit up straight when the teacher holds tests.
👉 How are they feeling?
Nervous, anxious
“Sure, whatever.”
👉 Give ONE possible meaning.
Annoyance / not truly agreeing
A friend is nervous before presenting.
👉 What might happen during the presentation?
They might struggle / be anxious
Your friend seems upset.
👉 What could you say?
“Are you okay?” / “Do you want to talk?”
A friend avoids eye contact and gives short answers.
👉 What is one clue something might be wrong?
Avoiding eye contact / short responses
Jenna sighs after reading “Sure, whatever.”
👉 What emotion is she likely feeling?
Annoyed, hurt, confused
A quiet classroom + teacher holding papers.
👉 What is happening?
Tests are being handed out
One student does all the group work.
👉 What happens at grading time?
Conflict / unfair grades
Someone interrupts you.
👉 Give a respectful response.
“Can I finish my thought?”
Someone keeps interrupting others in a group.
👉 How might others feel?
Annoyed, frustrated, ignored
A student keeps checking notes right before a test.
👉 What feeling does this show?
Nervous, unprepared
A person turns away while you talk.
👉 What does that suggest?
They’re not interested / want to leave
You ignore cues that someone wants to leave.
👉 What might happen?
They get annoyed / frustrated
You realize someone isn’t interested.
👉 What should you do?
Stop or change topic
A student keeps talking while others are quiet and working.
👉 What is the likely expectation in this situation?
Be quiet / work independently
A friend is quiet, on their phone, and not engaging.
👉 Give TWO possible feelings.
Sad, distracted, upset, tired
Someone keeps interrupting but doesn’t notice reactions.
👉 What can you infer about their awareness?
They lack awareness of social cues
A group keeps interrupting each other.
👉 What happens to their project?
Poor quality / not finished / conflict
You’re doing all the group work.
👉 What is a good way to handle it?
Talk to group / ask for help / involve teacher