Read the Room
Everyone is quietly working during an assignment. You suddenly want to tell your friend a funny story. What should you do?
Wait until an appropriate time to talk/stay quiet.
Your friend drops their lunch tray. How might they feel?
Embarrassed, upset, nervous, sad, or frustrated.
“That haircut looks weird.” Think it or say it?
Think it.
“It’s SO cold,” someone says while standing outside in 100-degree weather. Sarcastic or serious?
Sarcastic.
A student says “I’m fine,” but crosses their arms and looks down. How might they really feel?
Upset, angry, sad, embarrassed, or frustrated.
Your friend looks frustrated while working on a project.
Is this a good time to joke around?
No. They may need space or support first.
What is one thing you could say to show empathy to a friend who is having a bad day?
“Are you okay?”
“That must be hard.”
“Do you need help?”
“Can I play with you guys?” Think it or say it?
Say it.
Someone spills water and says, “Wow, I’m SO not clumsy.” Sarcastic or serious?
Sarcastic.
Someone laughs after making a mistake, but their face turns red. What could they actually be feeling?
Embarrassed or nervous.
You are at an assembly and people are listening to the speaker. What body clues tell you to stay quiet?
People are facing the speaker, sitting quietly, listening, and not talking.
A classmate is sitting alone looking sad. What could you do?
Check on them, invite them to join, or ask if they are okay.
“This game is boring.” Think it or say it?
Think it.
Someone says, “I’m really excited to go to Disneyland tomorrow!” with a big smile and excited voice. Sarcastic or serious?
Serious.
Your friend says “Whatever,” in a rude tone after losing a game. What hidden feeling might they have?
Frustrated, disappointed, angry, or embarrassed.
You keep talking about Minecraft, but your group starts looking away and not responding. What might that mean?
They may not be interested or may want to change the topic.
Your friend loses a soccer game and gets quiet. What feeling might they have?
Disappointed, frustrated, sad, or embarrassed.
You accidentally burped really loudly. What is something appropriate to say?
“Excuse me.”
How can you tell when someone is being sarcastic?
Tone of voice, facial expressions, exaggerated words, or context clues.
Why is body language important?
It helps us understand how people are really feeling.
You notice classmates whispering and looking nervous before a presentation. How should you act?
Stay respectful, calm, encouraging, and avoid distracting behavior.
Why is empathy important in friendships?
It helps people feel understood, supported, and cared about.
Your friend gives a wrong answer in class and you think it sounds funny. What should you do?
Stay respectful and do not laugh at them.
Why can sarcasm sometimes confuse people?
Because the person says the opposite of what they really mean.
Name two clues that help you figure out someone’s hidden feelings.
Facial expressions, tone of voice, body language, actions, or context clues.