Introduction

In today’s world, it’s essential for students to develop strong social-emotional skills that will help them navigate various situations in life. Educators working with students in Special Education can benefit from engaging activities that encourage critical thinking and foster empathy. “Guess What Happens Next” is a video-based activity designed to help students understand how people react to different situations, learn about appropriate school behavior, and develop an understanding of how their actions can impact others. In this blog post, we will discuss this activity, provide a no-prep version, and share discussion questions to stimulate further conversation in the classroom.

No-Prep Activity

For educators looking for a no-prep version of “Guess What Happens Next,” try this simple activity that can be done in the classroom without any materials:

1. Begin by describing a common school situation to the students. For example, “A student is talking loudly during a lesson.”
2. Present three possible outcomes for the situation and ask students to guess what would happen next. For instance, “The teacher will: a) ignore the student, b) ask the student to quiet down, or c) send the student to the principal’s office.”
3. After students make their guesses, reveal the most likely outcome and discuss why that outcome was chosen. Encourage students to share their thoughts and opinions on the situation.

This activity can be easily adapted to various situations and age groups. By presenting different scenarios, students can practice their critical thinking skills and learn about the consequences of their actions in a safe and supportive environment.

Discussion Questions

After completing the “Guess What Happens Next” activity, use the following questions to stimulate further discussion and reflection:

1. Why do you think the chosen outcome was the most likely to happen in the situation?
2. How do you think the other students in the class felt during the situation? Why?
3. What are some ways that the student in the situation could have made better choices?
4. How can we apply what we’ve learned from this activity to our own behavior and choices in school?
5. Can you think of a time when you faced a similar situation? How did you handle it, and what did you learn from the experience?

Related Skills

Beyond the specific focus of “Guess What Happens Next,” there are several related skills that students can benefit from practicing and developing:

• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
• Active Listening: Paying attention to and engaging with others during conversations.
• Conflict Resolution: Identifying and addressing disagreements in a constructive and respectful manner.
• Self-Awareness: Recognizing one’s own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses, and understanding how they impact others.

Next Steps

If you found the “Guess What Happens Next” activity helpful and would like to explore more resources for teaching social-emotional skills, we encourage you to sign up for free samples at EveryDay Speech. These materials include a wide range of activities, games, and videos designed to help educators teach valuable life skills to students in Special Education and beyond. Don’t miss this opportunity to support your students’ social-emotional growth and development in a fun and engaging way!