CONTEXT CLUES
A student walks into class late holding a Starbucks cup. The teacher raises an eyebrow and says, “Rough morning?”
He’s late because he stopped for coffee; teacher is indirectly pointing it out.
A teacher says, “If only someone could help me carry these folders…” What is she really asking?
She wants someone to offer to help carry them.
Someone is smiling but their eyes look worried. How are they likely feeling?
Nervous or pretending to be okay.
Two classmates are arguing because one won’t share supplies. What’s the problem?
Lack of cooperation; someone is refusing to share.
A classmate looks overwhelmed during a project. What could you do?
Offer help or ask if they want to split tasks.
Jack overhears two classmates whispering, “Do you think he got the hint yesterday?” What is the context?
They’re discussing someone missing a social cue from the day before.
Jack’s friend says, “Do what you want,” but crosses his arms and avoids eye contact. What’s the real meaning?
He’s upset; he doesn’t actually want Jack to do it.
A friend keeps checking the clock while Jack is talking. What does that tell you?
They’re bored, rushed, or want the conversation to end soon.
Jack forgot to respond to a group chat about a project, and no one did their part. What’s the root problem?
Miscommunication and lack of coordination.
You overhear a friend say, “I’m so behind in math.” What resource could you suggest?
Tutoring, extra help, study session, or asking the teacher.
At lunch, a group gets suddenly quiet when a student approaches the table. What does the context tell you?
They were talking about something they don’t want that student to hear.
A classmate says, “Must be nice to finish early,” after Jack turns in a test. What do they actually mean?
They feel stressed or behind—not genuinely complimenting him.
Two people whisper and glance at Jack as he walks by. What does that suggest?
They’re likely talking about him or something related to him.
A friend says Jack always interrupts him. What’s the actual issue?
Jack isn’t noticing cues to wait his turn to speak.
Jack and a friend disagree on weekend plans. What’s a good problem-solving strategy?
Compromise—pick something they both like or take turns choosing.
A friend texts “K.” What does this context suggest?
The friend is annoyed, upset, or not interested.
Someone says, “Wow… your room is really clean” while staring at a pile of clothes. What do they mean?
They mean the room is messy and need cleaning; sarcasm.
A teammate sighs loudly and avoids looking at his teammate after he misses a play. What does this body language mean?
They’re frustrated or disappointed.
Jack shows up to a group hangout without being invited. The group looks uncomfortable. What’s the problem?
He may have misread the social boundaries or invitation.
You notice a peer being left out during a group activity. What’s a good solution?
Invite them to join or help include them.
During group work, one student is doing all the writing and keep looking up at his classmates while the others sit back. What does this context signal?
The student writing may feel overwhelmed; others aren’t participating like they should.
At a family event, someone says, “You’re brave for wearing that today.” What’s the hidden message?
It’s a backhanded comment; they may think the outfit is unusual or not appropriate.
Jack is explaining something and someone keeps giving one-word answers, shrugging, and not facing him. What does their behavior show?
They’re disengaged, uninterested, or possibly upset.
Jack answers a serious question with a joke, and someone walks away upset. What’s the issue?
He misread the emotional tone; joking wasn’t appropriate for the situation.
A conflict grows in a group project and no one can agree. What resource or strategy should you use?
Mediation by a teacher; setting clear roles; structured discussion; breaking tasks into parts.