Reading the Room
Your teacher is explaining directions for a group project. Two classmates start talking about a video game. What clues tell you what you should be doing?
The teacher is talking, giving directions, and expects students to listen.
A thought you keep inside your head belongs in which bubble?
Thinking Bubble
Someone accidentally steps on your shoe while you are lining up. Is this usually a small or big problem? What could you do?
Small problem. Stay calm, move your foot, or politely speak up if needed.
You want to join a game at recess, but a group of classmates is already playing. What could you say?
'Can I play too?' or 'Is there a way I could join?'
True or false: You can be good friends with someone even if you enjoy different games and activities.
True. Friends do not have to like all the same things.
What are the four steps for reading the room: Stop, Look, Listen, and…?
Match
You are confused about an assignment and need clarification. Should you keep that thought in your thinking bubble or move it to your talking bubble? Why?
Talking bubble. Asking for help can help you understand the assignment.
A tornado damages homes and forces families to leave their neighborhood. Is this a small, medium, or big problem?
Big problem because it affects safety, homes, and many people.
Your teacher is helping another student, but you need help with your assignment. What should you do?
Try the directions or another strategy first, then politely raise your hand or wait for the teacher to be available.
You lose a game at recess, and your team is disappointed. What is a good way to respond?
Be a good sport, congratulate the other team, and handle disappointment respectfully.
You walk into the library and notice that everyone is working quietly. What should you do, and why?
Use a quiet voice and avoid distracting others because the library is a quiet space.
A classmate gives an incorrect answer during a class discussion. You notice the mistake. What could you say instead of blurting out, 'That's wrong!'?
Offer a respectful correction or ask a question, such as 'Could it also be…?' or wait for the teacher to respond.
You cannot figure out a math problem and feel yourself getting frustrated. Name two things you could do.
Take a breath, reread the directions, try another strategy, or ask for help.
You accidentally damage something that belongs to the classroom. What should you do?
Tell the teacher honestly, explain what happened, and apologize or help fix the problem if possible.
Name two ways to show someone you are actively listening during a conversation.
Pay attention, avoid interrupting, ask relevant questions, respond to what they say, or use appropriate eye contact when comfortable.
You are working with a group, and everyone is focused on finishing the assignment. You want to tell a funny story. How could you tell if it is a good time?
Notice whether others are focused, listen to the conversation, and wait for an appropriate time.
Your friend gets a higher score than you on a test. You think, 'That's not fair. I studied harder!' What could you do with that thought?
Keep the initial reaction in your thinking bubble, manage your feelings, and talk respectfully with someone if you need support.
You and a classmate both want to use the same materials for a group project, and you disagree about who gets them first. How could you solve the problem?
Take turns, share, make a plan, compromise, or ask for help if needed.
During group work, one student is doing all the work while the others are distracted. What could you say to help the group work together?
Suggest dividing up the tasks, such as 'Let's each take a part so everyone can help.'
A classmate is left out of a group activity and looks upset. Name two ways you could respond.
Invite them to join if possible, check in with them, or ask the group to make room for them.
True or false: If your friends are laughing and talking during independent work time, it is okay for you to do the same. Explain your answer.
False. You need to consider the teacher's directions and the expectations for the situation, not just copy others.
True or false: If a thought is true, it is always appropriate to say it out loud. Explain.
False. Even true thoughts can be hurtful, distracting, or inappropriate for the situation. Think about the purpose, timing, and impact of your words.
Your group accidentally deletes part of a project that is due tomorrow. Everyone starts panicking and blaming each other. How could you help the group respond appropriately?
Stay calm, assess what was lost, see if it can be recovered, divide up the work, and ask the teacher for help if needed.
A friend keeps trying to get you to laugh and talk while the teacher is giving directions. You want to stay focused without being rude. What could you do or say?
Turn your attention back to the teacher and quietly say, 'Let's talk after the directions,' if needed.
Your teacher changes the plan for the day, and you are frustrated because you were looking forward to the original activity. What are two ways to handle the change appropriately?
Use a coping strategy, express disappointment respectfully, ask questions, and try to adjust to the new plan.