Social Skills
What is one way to show someone you are listening?
Make eye contact, face the person, don't interrupt, nod, or respond appropriately.
What is a respectful way to greet someone at school?
Say "Hi," "Good morning," wave, smile, or use their name respectfully.
Your friend makes a joke that you don't like. What can you do instead of yelling?
Take a breath and calmly say, “I don't like that.”
What are three things that can make someone a good friend?
Being kind, respectful, honest, trustworthy, supportive, listening, including others, respecting boundaries, and being dependable
You don't understand an assignment. What are two choices you could make?
Reread the directions, look at an example, ask the Mr. Evangelista, Ms. Parker, or classroom staff for help, or appropriately ask a classmate.
Jake is talking to Mr. Evangelista, but Kimberly wants to tell Jake something. What should Kimberly do?
Wait until Jake and Mr. Evangelista are finished talking, then politely ask to speak.
Someone says, “How are you?” What is an appropriate response?
"I'm good/okay/happy/sad, thanks. How are you?”
What are some signs that you might be starting to feel angry, frustrated, worried, or overwhelmed?
Feeling tense, heart beating faster, wanting to yell, crying, shutting down, pacing, feeling hot, having trouble thinking, or wanting to leave the situation
True or False: If someone is your friend, you should always agree with everything they say.
FALSE
Friends can have different opinions. You can disagree respectfully.
Zion and another student both want to use the same computer. What are some choices Zion could make to solve the problem?
Zion could suggest taking turns, using a timer, sharing if appropriate, choosing another computer/activity, or asking staff to help find a fair solution.
What does it mean to respect someone's personal space?
Give them enough physical space and avoid touching or getting too close without permission.
Christopher is having a conversation with Jake. What should Christopher avoid doing?
Interrupting, shouting, or talking over Jake.
If you are upset during class, what are some healthy things you could do to help yourself calm down?
Take deep breaths, count, ask for a break, talk to a trusted adult, get water, stretch, draw, use a calming activity, or take some quiet time.
True or False: You can be a good friend while also saying “no” when you are uncomfortable with something.
Answer: TRUE.
Healthy friendships include boundaries and respect.
Dylan is becoming frustrated because an activity isn't going the way he expected. What could Dylan do before making a decision?
Dylan could pause and use a coping skill, take a break if appropriate, take some breaths, ask for help, or give himself time to calm down before deciding what to do.
Noel and Zion disagree about which game to play. Name two respectful ways they could handle the disagreement.
Take turns, compromise, calmly discuss it, or choose another activity together.
Zion is standing very close to someone while talking. What should Zion remember?
Give the person appropriate personal space.
Imagine you are having a really difficult day and don't know how to handle your feelings. Who could you ask for help, and what could you say?
Ask a trusted adult such as Mr. Evangelista, Ms. Parker, Ms. Coker, or classroom staff. You could say, “I'm having a hard time right now. Can you help me?” or “I'm feeling upset and need a break.”
True or False: A good friend listens when you are talking and gives you a chance to share your thoughts.
TRUE
Good friends take turns talking and listening.
Noel is upset because another student said something Noel didn't like. Noel has several choices: yell, walk away, calmly explain how they feel, or ask an adult for help. Which choices could help solve the problem?
Walking away to calm down, calmly communicating feelings, and/or asking an adult for help are appropriate choices. Yelling is likely to make the problem worse.
Dylan notices Christopher sitting by himself while everyone else is playing. What could Dylan do to help Christopher feel included?
Invite Christopher to join, ask if he wants to play, sit with him, or introduce him to the group.
Mr. Evangelista asks the group a question. You know the answer, but someone else is speaking. What should you do?
Wait your turn and raise your hand or wait for a pause.
What is one coping skill you can use when you are angry or frustrated? Explain how it helps you.
Answers may include deep breathing, taking a break, listening to music, talking to someone, exercising, drawing, counting, positive self-talk, or another safe coping skill. The student should explain how the strategy helps them calm down or manage their feelings.
True or False: If you make a mistake that hurts a friend's feelings, apologizing and talking about what happened can help repair the friendship.
TRUE
Taking responsibility, apologizing, listening, and trying to do better can help repair a relationship.
Jake has tried two different ways to solve a problem, but neither one worked. What should Jake do next, and what could he say?
Jake should ask for help.
He could say:“I've tried two things, but the problem is still happening. Can you help me figure this out?”