Making Friends
How can I start a conversation with a friend?
Greetings: âHello!â âHi!â âHow are you?â
Compliments: (your choice)
Name one place where I need to follow directions.
School, home, and everywhere I go
Why is it important to give clear instruction?
Clear instructions lets people know exactly how they can help.
Who can give me gifts?
Family members, safe adults, and friends my age
How can I change a topic in conversation?
Be polite: acknowledge that you have been listening before changing the topic.
Examples:
âThatâs interesting! Have you heardâŠâ
âWow cool, hereâs what Iâve been up toâŠâ
âOh sorry, can we talk about something else?â
How can I receive directions? Are they ONLY verbal or ALSO visual?
Directions cam be said or written.
Examples:
- A âPool Rulesâ sign at a hotel
- A âWarningâ label on cleaning products
- Instructions on a bottle of medicine
If giving instructions is hard, what can I do every day to get better?
Plan ahead: sometimes itâs easier to know what to say when you practice it out loud or in your head beforehand.
When can I eat candy an adult has given me?
When my parents or guardian says itâs okay
Who can I talk to about something personal?
Family members, close friends, and sometimes teachers or teacherâs aides.
Disclaimer:
If something is too personal, you should only share it with family members. You do not have to share personal information with anyone you donât want to share it with.
Why do I have to follow directions?
Directions and rules keep us safe and allow us to maintain privileges.
Examples:
- Listening to directions at school keeps us from getting in trouble.
- Following directions when playing a game will likely motivate friends to play with us again.
Give me an example of a polite and clear way to give instructions.
Anyone! Friends, family, group project members, as long as you remember to be precise and respectful.
Examples:
- âPlease pass me the ball next to you.â
- âMay I play video games before bed?â
- âCan you do the google search so I can type the paper?â
What do I do if an adult asks me for help?
Look for a safe stranger and tell them what is happening.
Why is it important to pay attention during a conversation?
Because I might forget important information.
OR
Because I might hurt my friendâs feelings.
Disclaimer: This answer varies depending on who is talking to us, but itâs still important to pay attention whenever somebody is talking to me.
When is it okay ask for help?
Example: You tried following directions by yourself but you still donât understand the assignment. What should you do?
Give me an example of when it would be appropriate to give directions.
All the time! People will not understand you or know how to help unless you tell them precisely what you need.
Examples:
- When youâre in class and see that a friend needs help.
When is it okay to receive gifts?
On birthdays or significant holidays.
How can I end a conversation?
When everyone involved in the conversation has finished expressing what they want to say
Social Cues:
- Looking at their watch
- Yawning
- Checking their phone
- Putting away belongings
Who can I ask for help?
Family, friends, and safe strangers can help me when I ask clearly and precisely.
Examples of safe strangers:
- Police officers
- Store clerks
- Firemen
- Teachers
- Librarians
Your friend is giving you directions. Should you interrupt OR wait and listen?
You should wait until they are done so you can understand what they are saying.
Where can I go if I anm lost and canât contact my parents?
A public area where I can find safe strangers.
Examples:
- Stores or malls where there are clerks and security guards.
- Schools were there are teachers and crossing guards.
- Post offices or police stations where there are mailmen and officers.