Introduction
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) plays a vital role in the development of high school students. One key aspect of SEL is understanding appropriate eye contact and staring, especially when interacting with peers they find attractive. Educators can help students develop this skill by teaching them the difference between making eye contact when talking to someone and staring at them for an extended period. This blog post will provide an overview of a no-prep activity, discussion questions, and related skills to help educators teach students the importance of appropriate eye contact and avoiding staring.
No-Prep Activity
This no-prep activity requires no additional materials or preparation from the educator. Begin by dividing the class into small groups of 3-4 students. Assign each group a scenario where students need to practice appropriate eye contact and avoid staring. Examples of scenarios include:
- Meeting a new classmate
- Working on a group project
- Talking to someone they find attractive during lunch
Have each group discuss and practice the scenario, focusing on making eye contact while speaking and avoiding staring. After practicing, the groups will present their scenario to the class, demonstrating appropriate eye contact and non-staring behaviors. This activity will allow students to practice and observe these skills in a supportive and educational environment.
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important to make eye contact when speaking to someone?
- How does staring at someone make them feel, and why is it important to avoid making others feel uncomfortable?
- What strategies can you use to remind yourself to avoid staring when you find someone attractive?
- How can you tell if someone is feeling uncomfortable due to staring?
- What are some other ways to show interest in someone without making them feel uncomfortable?
Related Skills
Teaching appropriate eye contact and avoiding staring is just one aspect of Social-Emotional Learning. Other related skills that educators may want to explore with their students include:
- Active listening
- Empathy and understanding others’ feelings
- Respecting personal boundaries
- Communicating effectively and assertively
- Building and maintaining positive relationships
Next Steps
Developing appropriate eye contact and avoiding staring is an essential skill for high school students to build healthy relationships and contribute to a positive school environment. To access free sample materials related to this skill and others, sign up at Everyday Speech. These resources will provide educators with additional tools and activities to support Social-Emotional Learning in their classrooms.
