Share Elementary School Social Situations
Save to Folder
During recess, Mia says, “I guess someone doesn’t know how to run very fast,” after her friend finishes last in a race. Her friend frowns and walks away.
What did Mia really mean by that? How might her friend feel after hearing that? What could Mia say to make things right? What clue showed how she felt?
Eli’s teacher looks at his messy desk and says, “Wow, it’s so clean in here!”
What should Eli do next? How might the teacher look or sound when saying this? How can you tell the teacher was being sarcastic?
When the group starts working, Ava keeps talking about her favorite TV show instead of helping. The others look annoyed.
Why are the group members frustrated? What should Ava do to help her group? What nonverbal clues show the others are annoyed?
Liam borrows Jordan’s pencil but forgets to give it back. The next day, Jordan says, “It’s funny how my pencil disappeared after you used it.”
What does Jordan really mean? What is Jordan hoping Liam will do? What’s a good way for Liam to fix this?
At lunch, Noah accidentally spills milk on Kayla’s shirt. He laughs and says, “At least now it matches your tray!”
What could Noah do to show he’s sorry? What might Kayla’s face or body show? Was this a good time for a joke?
Everyone in class gets invited to Ella’s birthday party except Sam. When Sam asks why, Ella says, “Oh, I thought you’d be busy.”
What does Ella really mean by that? How might Sam feel about being left out? What’s a kind way for Ella to handle this?
The teacher says, “I’m sure everyone remembered to do their homework,” while looking around the room.
What should a student do if they forgot? What expressions might the teacher have? Why might the teacher say this in a sarcastic way?
Logan trips on the slide ladder, and his friend says, “Nice job, superstar!”
What does the friend really mean? How might Logan feel about that comment? What would be a nicer thing to say?
Sophie’s painting looks different from everyone else’s. A classmate says, “Wow, that’s... interesting.”
What should Sophie do if she feels hurt? How can you tell if someone’s comment is sincere or not? How can tone of voice change the meaning “interesting?"
During computer time, Liam accidentally drops a Chromebook. Another student says, “Way to go, Liam.”
What does “way to go” mean here? Is the student being kind or sarcastic? What should Liam do after breaking it?
A student cuts in front of Taylor in line. Taylor crosses her arms and says, “Oh, sure, go ahead.”
What’s a respectful way for Taylor to handle it? What nonverbal clues show Taylor’s feelings? Why might sarcasm make this worse?
Before the play starts, Ben whispers, “I hope nobody forgets their lines this time.” His classmate rolls her eyes.
What is Ben really saying? How might others feel about Ben’s comment? What does eye-rolling usually mean?
