Introduction

As educators, our goal is to equip students with the skills necessary to navigate social situations effectively. One essential aspect of social-emotional learning is the ability to tune into one’s environment. This means being aware of what’s happening in the present moment, understanding the impact of our actions on others, and considering how those actions make others feel. In this blog post, we will discuss an engaging activity called “Guess What Happens Next” that helps high school students practice tuning into their environment and predicting others’ reactions.

No-Prep Activity: Guess What Happens Next

This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator and is designed to be both fun and educational for students. To begin, the teacher can either create or find a series of short video clips that showcase different social situations. After each video, the teacher will present three possible reactions for a character in the clip, and the students will have to guess which reaction is most likely to occur. This encourages students to think critically about the characters’ actions and how they might impact others around them.

For example, the class might watch a video of a student named Leah expressing her dislike for a popular book that another student, Rachel, enjoys. After the clip, the teacher could present three possible responses from Rachel:

1. Rachel gets angry and argues with Leah.
2. Rachel is visibly hurt but doesn’t say anything.
3. Rachel respectfully disagrees with Leah’s opinion.

Students then discuss which reaction they think is most likely and why, considering the characters’ actions and the potential impact on the situation.

Discussion Questions

After completing the activity, use these questions to stimulate further discussions:

1. What cues did you use to predict the characters’ reactions in the videos?
2. How can tuning into our environment help us navigate social situations more effectively?
3. Can you think of a time when you were more aware of your actions and how they affected others? How did this impact the situation?
4. What strategies can we use to become more tuned in to our environment and others’ feelings?
5. Why is it important to consider others’ perspectives when making decisions or taking actions?

Related Skills

Alongside tuning into the environment, other relevant skills for students include:

• Active listening: Paying full attention to others when they speak, asking questions, and showing empathy.
• Self-awareness: Understanding one’s own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses, and considering how they impact others.
• Conflict resolution: Identifying and addressing disagreements in a constructive manner while respecting others’ feelings and opinions.
• Adaptability: Adjusting to new situations and being open to change, especially in social settings.

Next Steps

Now that you’ve learned about the Guess What Happens Next activity and its benefits for teaching high school students how to tune into their environment, consider incorporating it into your curriculum. To explore more engaging activities and resources for social-emotional learning, sign up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech. These resources will help you create a positive and supportive learning environment for your students, setting them up for success both in and out of the classroom.