Introduction
Communication is a vital skill for students in special education, and it’s essential for them to understand the concept of using a filter in their everyday interactions. By teaching students to differentiate between thoughts they should keep to themselves and those they should express, we can help them navigate various social situations more effectively. In this blog post, we’ll discuss a no-prep activity called “Guess What Happens Next” that focuses on the concept of Think It or Say It, also known as Using a Filter. We’ll also provide discussion questions, related skills, and resources for further exploration.
No-Prep Activity: Guess What Happens Next
This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator. To begin, present students with a series of hypothetical situations, either verbally or through short video clips. After each scenario, pause and ask the students to guess how people in the situation will react. Provide three possible reactions for each scenario, and encourage students to think about which response is the most appropriate.
For example, you might present a scenario where a student named Andrew loudly announces to the class that he needs to use the restroom. Ask students to guess how the teacher and classmates will react:
- Understanding of Andrew
- Silly because that is not something you say out loud
- Bored by Andrew’s comment
Discuss the correct answer (in this case, option 2) and explain why it’s important for Andrew to use a filter when communicating in the classroom. This activity can be adapted to various age groups and situations, allowing students to practice using a filter in different contexts.
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important to use a filter when communicating with others?
- Can you think of a situation where you used a filter in your communication? How did it help?
- What are some examples of things that should be kept private and not shared with others?
- How can understanding social cues help us decide when to use a filter in communication?
- What strategies can we use to determine whether something is appropriate to say out loud or keep to ourselves?
Related Skills
Teaching students to use a filter in communication is just one aspect of Social-Emotional Learning. Other related skills that can support students’ development in this area include:
- Understanding social cues and body language
- Empathy and perspective-taking
- Active listening and communication strategies
- Problem-solving and conflict resolution
- Self-awareness and self-regulation
Next Steps
By incorporating activities like “Guess What Happens Next” into your lessons, you can help students develop their ability to use a filter in communication and better understand social cues. If you’re interested in exploring more resources to support your students’ Social-Emotional Learning, we invite you to sign up for free samples of skills like Using a Filter and others at Everyday Speech. These materials can provide valuable insights and guidance to help your students thrive in various social situations.
