Conversation
You’re standing next to someone at lunch. They’re eating something you like.
What could you say to start a conversation?
“Hey, I love those chips too! What flavor are they?”
“I bring that sometimes. Do you eat them a lot?”
“That’s my favorite snack! Do you like spicy ones?”
You walk up to a classmate and say hi. They look away, shrug, and say “Whatever.”
Question: What might that body language mean, and what should you do?
“They might not feel like talking right now. I’ll give them space.”
“Maybe they’re having a bad day. I won’t take it personally.”
“I’ll say, ‘Okay, talk later!’ and find someone else to hang out with.”
You ask someone to play and they say, “No thanks, I’m playing with someone else right now.”
Question: How can you handle this small rejection?
You walk into the room ready to tell a funny story, but everyone is working quietly on a test.
Question: What should you do after “reading the room”?
Stay quiet and save the story for later.
Look around, realize it’s quiet time, and get your materials out.
Think: “Not the best time for a joke. I’ll wait until we’re done.
You were excited to play outside, but it starts to rain.
Question: What can you say to yourself to stay positive?
“That’s okay, I can play a game inside instead.”
“I’m bummed, but maybe I’ll watch a movie or bake something.”
“The weather changed my plan, but I can still have fun another way.
You see someone drawing a picture of a dragon.
What could you say?
“That’s a cool drawing! Do you like dragons?”
“I draw too—do you use markers or colored pencils?”
“That reminds me of a video game I play. Do you like games?”
You say “hi” and the person frowns and walks away.
What does that tell you?
They might be upset or want space.
It’s not about you—maybe they had a bad day.
Give them space and try again another time.
You invite someone to hang out and they say “I already have plans.”
What can you do?
“Okay, maybe another time!”
Ask someone else to hang out.
Remind yourself: “That doesn’t mean they don’t like me.”
You walk into a group and everyone is whispering and looking serious.
What should you do?
Whisper too and ask, “What’s going on?”
Be quiet and wait before speaking.
Match your voice and face to the mood.
You studied hard but got a lower grade than expected.
Flexible thoughts:
“That’s okay, I’ll learn from this and do better next time.”
“I’m proud I studied—it still helped me grow.”
“Grades don’t define me.”
You're sitting next to someone new on the bus.
What could you say to start talking?
“Hi, I’m [your name]. Is this your first time riding this bus?”
“Do you live nearby?”
“Do you like school?”
Someone is smiling, leaning forward, and nodding while you’re talking.
What does that tell you?
They’re interested in what I’m saying!
They’re having fun in the conversation.
I can keep going or ask them a question too.
You ask to join a group game and they say no.
How do you respond?
“Okay, I’ll find something else for now.”
Ask another group.
Watch and wait—maybe next round they’ll say yes.
The teacher is standing quietly with her arms crossed.
What does that body language tell you?
She’s probably waiting for the class to get quiet.
It’s time to stop talking.
I should help others calm down.
You were supposed to go to the pool but it closed early.
Flexible thoughts:
“That’s okay—we can do something else fun.”
“Maybe we can go tomorrow instead.”
“Let’s pick a backup plan—movies, games, anything!”
You’re at a birthday party and don’t know many people.
What could you say to someone your age?
“Hi, how do you know the birthday kid?”
“Do you want to do the piñata together?”
“I love cake—what’s your favorite kind?”
Your friend keeps glancing at the clock and tapping their foot.
What might they be feeling?
Maybe they’re in a rush or stressed.
They might want to leave or finish something.
I could say, “Looks like you’re busy—want to talk later?”
You text a friend and they leave you on “read.”
What might be happening?
I won’t jump to conclusions.
I can check in later or talk to someone else.
Everyone is working hard on a group project and you just joined.
What should you do?
Watch and listen first.
Ask, “How can I help?”
Don’t jump in without knowing what’s going on.
You forgot your lunch at home.
Flexible thoughts:
“It’s okay—I can ask for help or get a school lunch.”
“Next time I’ll double-check my backpack.”
“I’ll still be okay—it’s just one lunch.”
You see someone reading your favorite book.
What could you say?
“That book is awesome! What part are you at?”
“That’s my favorite chapter!”
“Do you like the main character?”
Someone says “I’m fine” but their eyes look watery and they’re quiet.
What might that mean?
They might be sad but don’t want to say it.
I could ask, “Are you sure you’re okay?”
Or give them space and say, “I’m here if you want to talk.”
You tell a joke and no one laughs.
What could you do?
Say, “Okay, that one flopped!” and laugh at yourself.
Move on and try another topic.
Think: “Not every joke works—no big deal.”
ou're in a room with new people and nobody is talking.
What can you do?
Say something small to break the ice: “Hi, I’m [your name].”
Ask a question about the activity.
Respect the silence, but try to be friendly.
You invited friends over, but someone canceled.
Flexible thoughts:
“I can still hang out with the others.”
“We’ll still have fun!”
“Maybe they’ll join next time.”