Problem Solving
You spilled your large drink while eating lunch. What steps should you take to clean it up safely and prevent anyone else from slipping?
I can grab paper towels or a mop, clean the spill carefully, throw away the trash, and let a staff member know if needed
Someone says “Good morning” to you while you are busy. How can you respond politely without stopping your work?
I can say “Good morning” while nodding or smiling, then continue my task
You don’t understand instructions from your job coach at work. What can you say to clarify without sounding rude?
I can say “Can you explain that again, please?” or “I want to make sure I do it correctly; can you show me one more time?”
You feel frustrated when something is hard. What’s one way to calm down?
I can take take deep breaths or ask for a short break
You don’t understand what your job coach asked you to do. What could you say?
I can say “Can you show me again?” or “Can you explain it one more time?”
You’re using a cleaning spray at work and it runs out, but you still have more areas to clean. How can you solve this problem efficiently?
I can check for another bottle, ask my job coach for help, or adjust your plan to finish other tasks first
You see someone you know in the hallway or lunch room. What’s one way to start a short conversation?
I can say “Hi, how’s your day going?” or comment on something around me
You need to ask someone in a store where an item is. How can you ask?
I can find an employee and ask “Excuse me, can you tell me where the [item] is?”
You’re waiting for your turn and feel impatient. What can you do instead of complaining?
I can distract myself, count to ten, or talk quietly to a friend while I wait
You need more time to finish a task. How can you ask for it respectfully?
I can say “Can I have a few more minutes to finish?"
You’re at your job site and a customer asks you a question you don’t know the answer to. What could you do?
I can tell them I'm not sure and get my job coach to help
A friend is telling you a story. Name two ways to show you’re listening.
Facing the Speaker
Waiting my turn to say something
Adding relevant comments
Body Language
You need help finding something at work or school. What is a clear way to ask?
I can say “Can you show me where it is?” or “I can’t find it, can you help me?"
A friend teases you, and you start to feel angry. What’s a good coping choice?
I can walk away, ignore them, or tell a staff member calmly
You’re feeling overwhelmed at work or in class. What’s one way to ask for a break?
I can say “I need a short break, please” or “Can I step away for a minute?”
You are supposed to put items in order, but your coworker is doing it differently. What can you do?
I can follow the instructions I was given, or check with staff for the correct order
You’re talking to someone and realize they look bored or distracted. What can you do to fix the conversation?
I can ask them a question, change the topic, or end the conversation politely
You feel sick but can’t explain it well. What words or strategies can help you communicate how you feel?
using body part words, a picture, or saying “I feel hot,” “My stomach hurts", etc
You make a mistake in front of others and feel embarrassed. How can you handle it in an appropriate way?
I can use a coping strategy, let myself feel upset, then try again or ask for help if I need it?
Someone is speaking to you in a rude way. What can you say to stand up for yourself calmly?
I can say “Please don’t talk to me like that” or “I don’t like that tone”?
You are walking in the hallway with an item to deliver, but someone suddenly blocks your path. How can you handle it safely?
I can pause, politely get their attention, or find another way around
During a conversation, how do you know when it’s your turn to talk, and how can you avoid interrupting?
wait until the other person finishes and look for a pause or cue before talking
You need to tell a staff member that you need help, but they are busy. How can you get your message across clearly without interrupting?
I can wait until they are not busy, get their attention politely, explain what you need, and ask when it’s a good time for them to help me
You had a bad day and can’t stop thinking about it. What are two positive coping strategies you can use to feel better?
Any two coping strategies
You are asked to do a task you haven’t learned yet at work or school. What can you say?
I can say “I haven’t done this before. Can you show me how?