Reading the Room
You walk into the classroom and see that everyone is already seated and looking at the front, while the teacher is holding papers. What should you do?
Quietly find a seat and wait for the teacher’s instructions, as class may have started.
Your doctor’s appointment is at 3:00 PM, and it takes 40 minutes to get there. When should you leave?
2:20 PM
Olivia’s eyes lit up as she opened the box. She pulled out a small, wrapped object, holding her breath as she tore the paper away. What can we infer about Olivia?
Olivia is excited and curious to see what’s inside the package.
The torrential rain flooded the streets and made it difficult to drive.
Very heavy or intense.
After losing the game, Mia was happy for her teammates who won, but also felt a bit disappointed. What emotion might Mia be feeling?
Mixed emotions or bittersweet.
At a friend’s house, you notice your friend’s parents speaking in low voices in the kitchen, looking serious. Your friend seems a bit distracted. What might be the best thing to do?
Respect your friend’s mood, keep the volume low, and give your friend space if they seem preoccupied.
You’re meeting a friend at 5:15 PM, and the commute is 25 minutes. When should you leave?
4:50 PM
Jared ran through the parking lot, frantically searching his pockets. He looked at his watch, then back at his car in frustration. What is Jared probably feeling, and why?
Jared is likely stressed or anxious because he’s lost something important, possibly his keys, and he’s in a hurry.
Because of his meticulous attention to detail, Tom was chosen to organize the project.
Careful or precise.
After preparing for weeks, Layla’s friends praised her work, but she felt like it wasn’t good enough. What emotion might Layla be feeling?
Self-doubt or insecurity.
You’re at a team meeting. The leader looks stressed, and a few people are raising their hands with questions, while others are just listening quietly. What would be the most appropriate action?
Wait to see if your question is answered or ask your question briefly at the end, as the leader may feel overwhelmed.
You have to be at the concert at 7:00 PM, and it takes you 25 minutes to drive there. When should you leave?
6:35 PM
Emma watched her friends laughing together, but she looked down at her phone, scrolling without interest. She sighed and slipped her phone into her bag. How is Emma likely feeling, and why?
Emma may be feeling left out or lonely because she’s not engaging with her friends.
The movie was so engrossing that I didn’t even notice how much time had passed.
Very interesting or absorbing.
John’s friend won an award that John really wanted. He felt happy for his friend but also wished he had won. What emotion might John be feeling?
Jealousy or envy mixed with happiness.
During a study group, one person keeps looking at the clock, gathering their materials, and not contributing much to the discussion. What can you infer, and how should you respond?
They may need to leave soon, so it’s best not to direct too many questions to them. Offer to continue any discussions at a later time.
A movie starts at 3:15 PM, and it takes you 45 minutes to get to the theater. When should you leave?
2:30 PM
As the applause died down, Lucas stood up from his chair. He could feel his heart pounding and his face getting hot. The teacher called his name, and everyone turned to look at him. What can we infer about Lucas's feelings?
Lucas is probably feeling nervous or embarrassed about having to speak or perform in front of the class.
After he got sick, John felt vulnerable and needed his family’s support to get better.
Exposed or at risk.
After moving to a new school, Ava enjoyed meeting new people but missed her old friends deeply. What emotion might Ava be feeling?
Nostalgia or homesickness mixed with excitement.
At a school assembly, the principal is giving a serious speech, and several people around you are sitting still, looking at the stage, while others are whispering and distracted. What would be the best response to show respect?
Stay quiet, focus on the speaker, and avoid joining in any side conversations to set a respectful example.
Your class begins at 8:30 AM, and you need 30 minutes to walk there. When should you leave?
8:00 AM
Walking into the kitchen, Nate noticed a broken dish on the counter and his little brother sitting quietly with his head down. His mom was nearby, looking frustrated. What might Nate infer about what happened?
Nate might infer that his little brother accidentally broke the dish and is feeling guilty, while his mom is upset about it.
Emily was reluctant to speak in front of the large audience because she was shy.
Hesitant or unwilling.
Liam worked hard on a project, but when he saw someone else’s work, he felt like his own wasn’t good enough, even though others complimented it. What emotion might Liam be feeling?
Inadequacy or self-consciousness