Empathy Scenario Cards

These cards help students practice empathy and active listening by reading a scenario aloud and responding thoughtfully.

How to Use:

1. Shuffle the cards and place them face down.
2. Student A draws a card and reads the scenario aloud.
3. Student B listens, using the Active Listening Checklist to guide their response (maintain eye contact, paraphrase, ask a follow-up question).
4. After responding, swap roles and draw a new card.

Cards:

1. Your friend is sad because they lost their favorite toy.
   
   
   
2. Your classmate is nervous about speaking in front of the class.
   
   
   
3. Your sibling is upset because they didn’t win the game.
   
   
   
4. A friend looks worried because they got in trouble at home.
   
   
   
5. Your friend feels left out because others didn’t include them.
   
   
   
6. Your classmate is excited about their upcoming birthday.
   
   
   
7. A friend is proud because they received a good grade on a test.
   
   
   
8. Your friend is frustrated because they can’t solve a puzzle.
   
   
   
9. A classmate seems shy when meeting new people at recess.
   
   
   
10. Your friend feels scared watching a scary movie at home.
    
    
    
    
    
    

Adapt as needed for students’ interests and experiences. Encourage specific, caring responses to build genuine empathy and strengthen listening skills.

Turn-Taking Spinner

This spinner helps students decide who speaks next in a fair, fun way.

Materials:

• Spinner circle template (printed and cut out)
• Arrow (paper or plastic)
• Brad fastener (paper fastener)
• Pencil (optional, if using a pencil-based spinner)

How to Assemble:

1. Print and cut out the spinner circle.
2. Cut out the arrow piece.
3. Place the arrow at the center of the circle and secure it with the brad fastener so it spins freely.
4. Divide the circle into two equal halves and label one half “Student A” and the other “Student B” (or use their names).

How to Use:

1. Place the spinner on a flat surface between the two students.
2. Student A gives the arrow a quick spin.
3. When the arrow stops, the pointed name indicates who answers the prompt.
4. After answering, that student hands the spinner to the other and spins for the next turn.
5. Use the Visual Timer App to keep each turn under 1 minute.

Sample Prompts: (Keep these on index cards or a list)

• “What’s your favorite game?”
  
  
  
• “Share a hobby you enjoy.”
  
  
  
• “Name a place you’d like to visit.”
  
  
  
• “Tell one thing you like about school.”
  
  
  

Encourage students to speak clearly, make eye contact, and listen attentively when it’s not their turn.

Teacher Tips:

• Model spinning and speaking first to show clear expectations.
• Praise students’ turn-taking and use of eye contact with a Positive Feedback Star Token.
• Customize prompts to match students’ interests or the focus of your lesson.

Active Listening Checklist

Use this checklist while you practice listening to someone speak. Check off each step as you do it:

• Face the speaker and make eye contact
• Give your full attention (no interruptions or side conversations)
• Nod or say small words like “I see” to show you’re listening
• Paraphrase what you heard (e.g., “So you’re saying…?”)
  
  
  
• Ask a follow-up question (e.g., “Can you tell me more about…?”)
  
  
  
• Wait until the speaker finishes before you respond
• Notice their feelings and name them (e.g., “You seem happy about that!”)

Keep this checklist nearby during our activities to help you focus on each step of active listening.

Positive Feedback Star Tokens

These star-shaped tokens help students recognize and celebrate positive communication behaviors. Use them to encourage specific, affirming comments after each turn-taking or listening activity.

Materials:

• Pre-cut star shapes (paper or cardstock) or token stickers
• Markers or colored pencils (optional, for decorating)
• Small container or pouch to hold tokens

How to Use:

1. After a student shares or listens, the partner offers one star token along with a specific compliment.
   • Example: “Here’s a star for using a friendly tone!”
   • Example: “You get a star for making great eye contact.”
2. Students collect tokens as they practice. They can decorate their stars or write the date and behavior on the back.
3. At the end of the session, celebrate how many stars each student earned and highlight the behaviors praised most often.

Teacher Tips:

• Model giving a star token and stating why: “I’m giving this star because you paraphrased what I said so clearly.”
• Encourage students to focus on one behavior per token (e.g., “nodded,” “asked a good question,” “spoke clearly”).
• Use tokens sparingly to keep feedback meaningful and motivate continued effort.

Social Check-In

Start the session by briefly checking in on how students feel and setting a positive tone for social learning.

How to Use:

1. Gather both students in a circle or at the table.
2. Explain that you’ll do a quick “social check-in” to share feelings and goals.
3. Model your own response first to show what you expect.

Prompts:

1. How am I feeling right now?
• Think about your mood: happy, nervous, excited, etc.
• Write or draw your feeling below:

2. What is one social skill I want to practice today?
• Choose from turn-taking, listening, asking questions, or giving feedback.
• Write or draw your goal below:

4. Share & Listen:

• Student A shares their feeling and goal.
• Student B listens and gives a thumbs-up or nod.
• Switch roles so both share.

Teacher Tips:

• Keep each share under 30 seconds.
• Validate students’ feelings: “Thank you for sharing that.”
• Tie their goal into today’s activities: “Great! We’ll practice that with our spinner game.”

Reflect & Star

Use this exit ticket to reflect on today’s social skills practice and celebrate your progress!

1. Star Count ⭐

How many Positive Feedback Star Tokens did you earn today?
Number of stars: _______

2. What Went Well 🎉

Write or draw one thing you did really well during our activities.

3. Goal for Next Time 🚀

Write or draw one thing you’d like to improve or practice more in your next session.

4. Favorite Star Moment 🌟

Describe your favorite compliment or moment when you felt proud.

Teacher: Collect these sheets and praise each student for their reflections. Display a few favorite responses (anonymously, if needed) to inspire continued growth!