Communication Central
What is it called when you look at someone's eyes or face when they are talking to you?
What is eye contact?
Your friend looks upset. What's the first thing you should try to do to show you care?
What is asking them if they're okay or what's wrong?
What's the first step you should take when you have a disagreement with a friend?
What is staying calm? (Or: What is taking a deep breath?)
What is one important quality of a good friend?
What is trustworthiness, loyalty, kindness, being a good listener, etc.?
Before you post something online, what's one important question you should ask yourself?
What is, "Is this kind, true, necessary, and helpful?" (Or: "Would I want my parents/teachers to see this?")
When you are listening, why is it important to nod your head or say "mm-hmm"?
What are non-verbal cues that show you are listening? (Or: What is active listening?)
Someone in your class just lost a pet. What's a kind thing you could say or do for them?
What is offering condolences, a hug (if appropriate and they want one), or simply saying "I'm sorry about your loss"?
Instead of yelling, what's a good way to express your feelings when you're in a conflict?
What is using a calm voice and "I statements"?
You see someone sitting alone at lunch. What's a friendly thing you could do?
What is inviting them to sit with you or asking them if they want to join your group?
Someone sends you a mean message online. What's the best first step to take?
What is not responding and blocking the sender? (Or: What is telling a trusted adult?)
Someone tells you exciting news, but your friend looks bored and keeps checking their phone. What message are they sending with their body language?
What is disinterest or rudeness?
Why is it important to try and understand someone else's feelings, even if you don't agree with them?
What is to show respect, build stronger relationships, or avoid misunderstandings?
You and a friend both want to use the same object. What's a fair way to solve this problem?
What is taking turns, sharing, or finding an alternative solution?
Your friend tells you a secret. What should you do?
What is keep the secret and not share it with others?
Why is it harder to understand tone of voice or emotion in a text message compared to talking in person?
What is because you can't see body language or hear vocal inflections?
You want to join a conversation with a group of friends. What's a good way to enter without interrupting?
What is waiting for a pause and then saying something like, "Mind if I join you?" or "What are you guys talking about?"
Your classmate gets a bad grade on a test and looks disappointed. You got a good grade. What's an empathetic response?
What is saying something like, "I'm sorry you're feeling down about your grade," instead of bragging about your own?
When trying to solve a problem with someone, why is it important for both people to share their side of the story?
What is to understand each other's perspectives and find a solution that works for everyone?
What's the difference between being assertive and being aggressive when standing up for yourself or others?
What is assertive means expressing your needs respectfully and clearly, while aggressive means being forceful, demanding, or rude?
You see someone being cyberbullied online. What's a responsible thing you can do?
What is reporting it to a trusted adult, blocking the bully, or not engaging with the comments?
Explain the difference between an "I statement" and a "You statement" when expressing your feelings.
What is an "I statement" focuses on your feelings ("I feel frustrated when..."), while a "You statement" blames the other person ("You always make me frustrated...").
Imagine someone is talking about something that happened to them, and it reminds you of something similar that happened to you. What's the empathetic way to respond, and what should you avoid?
What is to first acknowledge their feelings and listen fully, then you can share your experience if it's relevant and helpful; avoid immediately changing the topic to yourself.
If you can't resolve a conflict with someone, what's a positive step you can take?
What is asking a trusted adult (teacher, parent, counselor) for help, or taking a break from the situation?
You notice one of your friends is being excluded by others in your group. What is a way you can show support and include them?
What is inviting them to join an activity, making sure they are part of the conversation, or standing up for them if someone is being unkind?
What is "digital citizenship," and why is it important for middle schoolers?
What is being a responsible, respectful, and safe user of technology; it's important for creating a positive online environment and avoiding problems?