Think It vs. Say It
Your classmate gets an answer wrong during class. You think, “That was a really stupid answer.” Should you say it out loud to let them know or keep it as a thought?
Keep it as a thought
You walk into class, say hello to a classmate, and they don't respond. What are 2 possible reasons they didn't answer?
They didn't hear you.
They were distracted or thinking about something else.
You are talking to a classmate. They stop speaking, look at you, and ask, “What do you think?” What is this a clue to do?
It's your turn to speak. They have invited you to share your thoughts.
You planned to play your favorite game during free time, but the school computer isn't working. What are 2 other things you could do?
1. Choose an available board game
2. Draw
A classmate takes a step backward when you move closer to talk to them. What might this signal mean?
They may want more personal space.
You think a teacher's directions make no sense. Explain how you could appropriately phrase it.
You can respectfully ask for clarification, such as, “I'm confused about the directions. Could you explain them another way?”
You think a group project would be easier if everyone followed your plan. Another student wants to try a different plan. Why might they disagree with you?
They have a different idea.
They see a problem with your plan that you haven't noticed.
They prefer a different way of working.
A classmate starts giving one-word answers, looks at the clock, and begins packing their backpack. What might these clues mean?
They may be ready to end the conversation or need to leave.
You think there is only one correct way to organize a group project. Your classmate suggests a different method that could also work. What should you do?
Listen to their idea and compare both methods. If their plan can accomplish the goal, consider trying it.
You are telling a friend exciting news, but they frown and look confused. What are 2 possible explanations?
1. They might not understand what you said
2. They may be surprised or distracted
Your friend keeps talking about a video game you don't like. You think, “Nobody cares about this game except you!” Should you say it or think it?
Think it and you could say “I'm not really into that game. Can we talk about something else?”
A friend usually talks to you at lunch, but today they sit with a different group. What are 2 possible explanations?
They wanted to talk to other friends today.
They were invited to sit with the other group.
You are excitedly explaining your favorite video game. The other person stops asking questions and starts looking around the room. What are 2 possible explanations?
1. They may be distracted
2. They may be losing interest in the topic
Your teacher announces that your usual schedule is changing, and your favorite class will happen later in the day. You feel frustrated because you expected the usual routine. What are 2 ways you could handle the change?
1. Remind yourself that the change is temporary
2. Use a visual schedule or write down the new plan
During a conversation, someone turns their body toward the door, checks the time, and starts gathering their belongings. What might these clues suggest?
They may be getting ready to leave or need to end the conversation
You think a classmate is being annoying. Is it always wrong to tell them?
No. You can set a respectful boundary, such as, “I need some quiet right now.”
Two students are working together. Student A keeps correcting Student B's answers because A wants the project to be accurate. Student B gets frustrated and thinks A is being bossy. How might each student view the situation, and what could they do to resolve it?
Student A's perspective: “I'm trying to make sure we get the answers right.”
Student B's perspective: “I feel like my ideas aren't being respected.”
Solution: A could ask before correcting, and B could explain how the corrections are impacting them. They could agree on how to review their work together.
A student says, “Sure, that's fine,” but speaks very quietly and avoids eye contact. Can you know for certain that they are upset?
No. They might be upset, tired, shy, distracted, or simply communicating differently
You are convinced that your answer to a class discussion question is correct. Another student gives a different answer and explains their reasoning. What should you do before deciding that they are wrong?
Listen to their reasoning, look for evidence, and consider whether both answers could make sense.
A classmate says, “I'm fine,” but their voice sounds shaky and they seem unusually quiet. Should you assume they are upset?
Don't assume. Their voice and behavior might suggest something is wrong, but there could be other explanations
You know the answer to every question in class. You think, “Everyone else is so slow.” Should you say it?
No. Knowing the answers doesn't make other students less intelligent.
You tell a joke that you think is funny. One classmate laughs, another stays quiet, and a third says, “That wasn't funny.” What are 2 other possible explanations for their reactions, and how could you respond?
The joke may not match their sense of humor.
They may have interpreted the joke differently than you intended.
You join a conversation between two classmates. They stop talking briefly, one looks at the other, and then they start discussing a different topic. Name a respectful way to respond.
You could listen for a moment, ask an appropriate question about the new topic, or politely give them space if the conversation seems private.
Your group agrees to play a game, but the rules need to change because one student cannot participate under the original rules because of a physical disability. You think the original rules are the fairest and don't want to change them. What are 2 possible ways to respond?
Ask the group to brainstorm alternative rules.
Explain your concerns while listening to the other students' ideas.
You join a group conversation. One person keeps looking at their phone, another continues talking to the group, and a third smiles and asks you a question. What clues suggest you may be welcome to join, and what should you avoid assuming?
The person who smiles and asks you a question is giving a clear invitation to participate. The other person's phone use doesn't necessarily mean they are bored or ignoring you.