Facial Expressions
A classmate’s face turns red, and they look down after making a mistake. What emotion might they be feeling, and how should you respond?
They could be embarrassed. You could avoid drawing attention to it and say something reassuring like, “It’s okay, everyone makes mistakes.”
If you are excited to tell your friend something and they step backward while you’re talking, what should you do?
Pause and give them more space before continuing.
If someone is tapping their fingers on the table, glancing at the clock, and shifting in their seat, what might they be feeling?
They might be impatient, bored, or in a hurry.
Your friend says, “I’m fine,” but they sigh and look down. What should you do?
Consider that they might not actually be fine and ask, “Are you sure? You seem upset.”
You tell a joke, but your friend looks uncomfortable and doesn’t laugh. What might have happened?
The joke might not have been funny to them, or it could have been inappropriate.
If someone is crying but also smiling slightly, what might that mean?
They could be feeling mixed emotions, such as relief, happiness, or nervousness.
You’re in line for lunch, and a friend stands so close that their backpack touches you. How could you politely ask for more space?
“Hey, can you step back a little? I just need a little more room.”
You see two friends talking, and one of them suddenly crosses their arms and looks away. What might have just happened?
They might be feeling defensive, uncomfortable, or upset about something in the conversation.
A classmate keeps looking at you while you're talking loudly but doesn’t say anything. What might they be trying to communicate?
They might want you to lower your voice or stop.
You’re telling a long story, and your classmate keeps nodding quickly and saying “yeah” over and over. What does that mean?
They might be trying to end the conversation but don’t know how.
Someone’s lips are pressed tightly together, and their nostrils flare slightly. What emotion might they be feeling, and how can you respond?
They might be frustrated or trying to stay calm. You could ask if they need a break or if something is wrong.
During recess, you notice someone stepping sideways or angling their body away from you while you're talking. What might that mean, and what should you do?
They might be trying to create more space or end the conversation. You could pause and say, “I don’t want to keep you if you need to go.”
You ask a classmate for help, and they say "sure" but shrug and look down as they say it. How might they actually feel?
They might feel unsure, uninterested, or unwilling to help but don’t want to say no outright.
You’re excited and talking to a friend, but they keep checking their phone. How should you handle this?
Pause and ask “Is now a good time to talk?”
Your friend suddenly stops talking to you and starts playing with their backpack strap while looking away. What could have gone wrong?
You might have said something that upset them, or they might be distracted.
If a friend is smiling but their eyebrows are raised and their eyes are wide, what might they be feeling besides happiness?
They might be surprised, nervous, or unsure.
Your friend lets you borrow their marker, but when you reach for their notebook, they quickly pull it away. What does that tell you about their boundaries?
They are okay with sharing some things but not everything, so you should ask before using their belongings.
While playing a game, you notice someone keeps shifting their weight from foot to foot and fidgeting. What are some possible reasons for this?
They could be feeling anxious, impatient, or uncomfortable.
You accidentally bump into someone in the hallway, and they frown and rub their arm. What should you do next?
Apologize and check if they are okay.
You’re excitedly talking about your favorite TV show, and your friend responds with one-word answers while glancing at their watch. What should you do?
Notice their disinterest and ask, “Am I talking too much about this?” or change the subject.
You’re telling a joke, and your friend laughs, but they avoid eye contact and look down. What could that mean?
They might not actually find it funny or could be feeling uncomfortable.
You’re talking with a new classmate, and they seem fine with being close at first, but after a few minutes, they fold their arms and shift away. What should you do next?
Step back a little to respect their space and see if they seem more comfortable.
A peer nods while you're speaking, but their eyes are scanning the room, and they don't respond after you finish. What does that suggest?
They might not be fully engaged in the conversation or are distracted by something else.
You and a friend are working on a project, but they suddenly stop responding and start doodling instead. What are some possible reasons, and what should you do?
They might be bored, frustrated, or need a break. You could ask, “Do you want to switch tasks or take a break?”
You’re playing a game with a friend, and they suddenly push the controller away and cross their arms. What are some possible reasons, and what should you do?
They could be frustrated, losing interest, or feeling left out. You could ask, “Are you okay?” or suggest taking a break.