Social Skills Jeopardy

Reading the Room

100

You notice two classmates talking about an upcoming concert you weren't invited to. What do you do?

Listen to the conversation politely without inserting yourself, or ask a neutral question like "Who is going?

200

A classmate is wearing headphones and staring intensely at their laptop during study hall. Is it expected or unexpected to walk up and ask them to help you with homework?

Unexpected. They are showing non-verbal cues that they want to be left alone. [1, 2]

300

What is an appropriate physical boundary when having a conversation with someone you just met?

An arm's length (about 2 to 3 feet).

400

Someone is talking to you about a problem they are having, but you completely disagree with their perspective. How do you show you are still actively listening?

Maintain eye contact, nod, and avoid interrupting or aggressively arguing

500

You are in a group project, but one member is dominating the conversation and not letting anyone else share ideas. How do you handle this politely?

Wait for them to take a breath and say, "That's a great idea, let's also hear what [Name] has to say."

Communication

100

You bump into someone in the crowded hallway and drop your books. What is the standard social expectation?

Say "Excuse me" or "I'm so sorry, let me help you pick those up."

200

How do you politely introduce yourself to a new student on their first day?

Make eye contact, smile, offer a handshake or nod, and say, "Hi, I'm [Name], welcome to the school!"

300

A peer asks you to come to a party that you know involves drinking or illegal activities. What is the most assertive way to decline?

"No thanks, I'm not into that, but maybe we can hang out this weekend instead"

400

• You want to ask a classmate for their phone number so you can study together, but you are nervous. What is a casual way to ask?

• "Hey, do you mind if I grab your number so we can text if we have questions about the homework?"

500

• How do you offer constructive criticism to a teammate who keeps making mistakes in practice?

• Use the sandwich method: Start with a compliment, state the constructive feedback gently, and end on a positive note.

Emotional Regulation

100

• You receive a bad grade on a math test you studied hard for, and you feel like ripping up the paper. What should you do?

• Take a deep breath, ask to step out for water, or ask the teacher if you can review the test later

200

• What does it mean to have a "big reaction" to a "small problem," and how does it affect how others see you?

• It means overreacting (like yelling over a forgotten pencil). It makes the situation harder to solve and turns people away

300

• You are feeling overwhelmed and angry in a heated classroom debate. What are two quick physical calming strategies you can use?

• Take three deep breaths, or count to ten slowly in your head.

400

• Describe the difference between a "flexible thinker" and a "rock brain" thinker

• A flexible thinker adjusts to changes and different perspectives; a rock brain thinker is rigid and gets stuck on things going exactly their way

500

• You have a severe conflict with a close friend and are worried you will say something hurtful. What is the best immediate step?

• Say, "I'm too upset to talk about this right now, let's take a break and talk about it after school

Digital & Social Media

100

• You see a photo of your friend group hanging out online without you. What is the healthy way to handle this?

• Put your phone away, realize people don't have to invite you to everything, and plan to reach out to someone else

200

• Is it acceptable to text someone after 10:00 PM on a school night?

• Generally no, unless it is an emergency or you have an established late-night texting relationship with that person

300

• You are tagged in a very embarrassing photo by a classmate. What do you do?

• Politely message the classmate and ask them to untag or delete the photo

400

• Why is it difficult to read the "tone" of a text message, and how can it cause social problems?

• Because it lacks facial expressions and body language, meaning jokes can be misread as insults

500

• A classmate posts a rumor about another student in a group chat. What is the socially responsible thing to do?

• Do not "like" it or forward it. Leave the group chat or privately tell the sender, "I don't think it's cool to spread rumors."

Problem Solving

100

• You let your friend borrow a jacket, and when they return it, it has a stain on it. What should you do?

• Stay calm and say, "Hey, there's a stain on my jacket. Could you help me get it dry-cleaned?"

200

• You are in the cafeteria and see a new student sitting completely alone. What do you do?

• Walk over, introduce yourself, and ask if they would like to sit with your group.

300

• The teacher assigns a group project, but nobody is contributing except you. What is your first step?

• Divide the work evenly and gently assign tasks to everyone in the group to get them started.

400

• You arrive at your after-school club, but you realize you completely forgot about a major assignment due the next day. What do you do?

• Stay calm, evaluate if you can complete the work after the club, or email your teacher explaining the situation proactively.

500

• A substitute teacher accidentally marks you absent even though you were in your seat. What is the best way to handle this?

• Politely wait until the end of class or step up to the desk quietly and say, "Excuse me, I was here today but I think I was marked absent by mistake."