Inferencing
By the time the bus arrived, the sky had turned dark gray and the wind pushed loose papers across the parking lot. Several students checked their phones for weather alerts while a teacher hurried outside to bring in equipment that had been left on the field.
It is about to storm
During partner work, Alex answers questions politely but keeps turning his body toward the door and packing his backpack early. He checks the clock several times while his partner continues talking.
Body towards door, packing early, checking clock. He wants to leave.
A teacher walks by a noisy table and says, “I like how the other groups are working quietly.”
A friend forgets to bring something for a group project.
“No worries, we can figure it out together.”
The trail narrowed as the trees disappeared, leaving only rocks and open sky. Maya checked her water bottle and frowned when she realized it was nearly empty. Ahead, two hikers turned around without speaking and began heading back down
The trail is becoming challenging and/or hazardous ahead.
During a debate, two students begin talking faster and louder while leaning forward. Other classmates grow quiet and look between them.
The debate is becoming tense and argumentative
Jamie’s friend says, “You might want to double-check number five."
Jame thinks number 5 on your paper is wrong.
Your partner in class is taking a long time to finish their part of the assignment.
Ask kindly, “Do you need any help finishing your part?”
The restaurant had only a few customers left when the waiter finally sat down for the first time all evening. He counted his tips quietly, smiled slightly, and began stacking chairs even though closing time was still twenty minutes away. What can you infer about how the night was?
It was a busy night with many customers.
A student jokes about failing a test while smiling, but their voice sounds tense. What mixed signals are present?
They are smiling which shows they are happy but their voice says other wards. He is probably upset about failing the test but doesn't want others to know.
A friend says, “Do whatever you want,” after a disagreement about you not going to their birthday party.
They are upset and want you at their party.
You are explaining an idea in class when someone accidentally talks over you and keeps going without noticing.
Politely pause and say, “Actually, I was still explaining my idea. Can I finish?”
Lena reread the email three times before closing her laptop. She opened a new document, typed a few sentences, deleted them, and leaned back in her chair. After a moment, she grabbed a notebook and began outlining ideas instead. What can you infer Lena is trying to do?
She is trying to think of the right way to word an email.
During group work, Mia is explaining her idea for the project while Jordan and Alex listen. As Mia continues talking, Jordan briefly looks at Alex and raises his eyebrows. Alex presses his lips together and gives a small smile back before looking down at the table. Neither of them interrupts, but they stop asking questions and nod quickly until Mia finishes speaking. What social cues are Jordan and Alex showing?
They're exchanging looks, raising eyebrows, pressing lips together, and not asking questions. They are most likely judging her idea.
Someone says, “Must be nice,” after hearing about your vacation.
They may feel jealous of your vacation and/or are joking because they haven't been on a vacation in a while
You realize you misunderstood directions and your group followed your lead, causing everyone to redo work.
Admit the mistake: “I realized I misunderstood the directions — sorry, everyone. Let’s fix this together.”Offer a plan: “Here’s how we can redo it quickly so we’re on track.”
The auditorium slowly emptied as students compared answers from the math competition. Ryan folded his paper carefully and slipped it into his backpack without looking at it again. When his friends asked how he did, he shrugged and changed the subject, asking if anyone wanted to get pizza before heading home. What can you infer about how Ryan thinks he performed?
He may be feeling disappointed in his performance
During class, Ms. Patel gives instructions for a group activity. Leo slouches in his chair, crosses his arms, and taps his pencil on the desk repeatedly. When the teacher asks if he understands, he nods quickly but doesn’t make eye contact and mutters, “Yeah, sure,” in a flat tone. What social cues is Leo showing through his body language, tone, and words?
A peer teases you in front of friends but acts normal one-on-one later
They may be seeking peer approval, but are trying to maintain the friendship in a one-on-one setting.
Your group earns a lower grade than expected, and one member immediately blames everyone else.
Stay calm and say something like, “We worked together let's not blame each other,” or “Maybe we can each look at what we could improve for next time.”