Social Communication Worksheet

Welcome to the Social Communication Worksheet! Today, we will practice effective communication skills. Read each scenario carefully and answer the questions that follow. Use the space provided to write your answers.

Part 1: Active Listening

Imagine you are having a conversation with a friend who is telling you about a problem at school. Read the scenario below:

Scenario: Your friend is upset because they feel left out during group activities.

Questions:

1. What might your friend be feeling in this situation?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. List two things you can do to show your friend that you are listening carefully.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Clear Expression in a Peer Conflict You Are Involved In

Scenario: During recess, you find yourself involved in a disagreement with a classmate over which game to play. Both of you have strong opinions about your choice.

Questions:

1. Write a short paragraph explaining how you feel about the situation and why it matters to you.
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Describe a clear and respectful way to express your thoughts that could help resolve the conflict.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Respectful Dialogue

Scenario: During a group discussion, one person shares an idea that you don’t completely agree with.

Questions:

1. How can you express your own thoughts without disrespecting the other person's idea?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What can you do to make sure the conversation remains friendly and respectful?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Remember, communication is about both listening and sharing your thoughts clearly, even in challenging situations. Use this worksheet as an opportunity to practice these skills.

Empathy Activity Guide

This activity is designed to help students understand and practice empathy by putting themselves in another person's shoes. It includes role-playing scenarios and discussion prompts that encourage students to consider others' feelings and perspectives. Adaptations and additional support will be provided for students with IEPs.

Objectives

• Develop the ability to understand and share the feelings of others
  
• Practice empathetic listening and response skills
  
• Increase awareness and understanding of diverse perspectives
  
  
  

Materials

• Role-play scenario cards
  
• Whiteboard or chart paper for listing ideas
  
• Markers
  
  
  

Activity Steps

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Begin by asking students what they think empathy means. Write their ideas on the board.
  
• Explain that empathy is about understanding how someone else feels, even if you haven't experienced the situation yourself.
  
  
  

2. Role-Playing Scenarios (15 minutes)

• Divide students into small groups. Provide each group with a scenario card (you may prepare these cards ahead of time). Each card should describe a different situation where someone might feel a strong emotion (e.g., feeling left out, being excited about a personal achievement, etc.).
• In their groups, have students discuss the scenario and decide how the person in the scenario might be feeling. Encourage them to think about context and background.
  
• Ask students to role-play the scenario, expressing both the feelings of the person in the scenario and a supportive response from a friend or peer.
  
  
  

3. Group Discussion (7 minutes)

• Bring the class back together and ask each group to share their scenario and what they learned about the character’s feelings.
  
• Ask discussion questions such as:
  • How did it feel to try to understand someone else's emotions?
    
  • What were some challenges you encountered in role-playing empathy?
    
  • How can we show empathy to our classmates every day?
    
    
    

4. Reflection (3 minutes)

• Have students write a short reflection about what empathy means to them and one way they can show empathy at school. Encourage clear and simple sentences. Provide extra time or support as needed for students with IEPs.
  
  
  

Teacher Tips and Adaptations

• For students with IEPs, consider using visual supports such as emotion charts or pictures that depict various feelings during the discussion and role-play activities.
• Allow additional processing time for students who need it, and consider pairing them with a peer buddy for more support during role-playing scenarios.
• Reinforce positive interactions and celebrate efforts to understand and validate others' feelings.
  
  
  

Remember, practicing empathy is a skill that develops over time. This activity not only promotes understanding of others but also builds a stronger, more supportive classroom community.

Teamwork Game Instructions: Build the Bridge

Welcome to the "Build the Bridge" teamwork game! This interactive group challenge is designed to help students develop collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills in a fun and inclusive way. Follow the steps below and remember: working together is the key to success!

Game Objective

Teams will work together to design and build a bridge using given materials. The goal is to create a structure that can support a small object for at least 10 seconds. This game emphasizes creativity, planning, and cooperative teamwork.

Materials Needed

• A variety of building materials (e.g., straws, tape, paper, popsicle sticks, and string)
  
• A small object to test the bridge (e.g., a toy car or a small book)
  
• Timer or stopwatch
  
• Surface space to build and test the bridges
  
  
  

Game Rules & Instructions

1. Team Formation (5 minutes)

• Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students. Ensure that teams are balanced and include support for students with IEPs by pairing them with peers who can help facilitate communication and understanding.
  
  
  

2. Planning Phase (10 minutes)

• Each team will discuss and outline a plan for building their bridge. Encourage every team member to share their ideas.
  
• Teams may sketch their design on paper.
  
• Remind groups to consider the materials available and plan how each member will contribute to the construction process.
  
  
  

3. Building Phase (15 minutes)

• Distribute the building materials to each group.
  
• Teams start constructing their bridges. Teachers and aides should circulate among the groups to offer guidance, especially to students needing additional support.
  
• Remind students to communicate clearly, share tasks, and respect each other's ideas throughout the building process.
  
  
  

4. Testing Phase (5 minutes)

• Once the bridges are built, each team will place the small object on the bridge and use the timer to see if it can support the weight for at least 10 seconds.
  
• Allow each team to explain their design and what teamwork strategies they used during the process.
  
  
  

5. Reflection and Discussion (5 minutes)

• Gather all teams together and have a discussion about the activity. Ask questions such as:
  • What strategies helped your team work together effectively?
    
  • Were there any challenges you encountered, and how did you overcome them?
    
  • How can teamwork skills like these be applied in other areas of school or daily life?
    
• Encourage students to share their thoughts and celebrate both successes and creative problem-solving efforts.
  
  
  

Modifications for IEP Support

• Provide visual instructions and clear, step-by-step guidance both in written form and verbally.
  
• Use peer buddies or assign a helper within each group to ensure every student is included.
  
• Allow flexible roles so that students can contribute in ways that best suit their strengths.
  
• Give extra processing time as needed and check in frequently to ensure all students are supported.
  
  
  

Enjoy the game and remember: every creative idea and cooperative effort builds not only a stronger bridge, but also stronger friendships!