Introduction

In today’s world, teaching students the importance of using a filter in their communication is crucial for their social-emotional learning. It helps them understand when to express their thoughts and when to keep them private. This blog post will discuss an engaging activity called “Guess What Happens Next” to help middle school students practice using a filter in their communication. We will also provide discussion questions, related skills, and next steps to further their learning.

No-Prep Activity: Guess What Happens Next

This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator. The goal is to help students understand the concept of “Think It or Say It” and practice using a filter in their communication. Follow these simple steps to conduct the activity:

1. Divide students into small groups or pairs.
2. Present a hypothetical situation to the students. For example, “Andrew needs to use the restroom during class.”
3. Ask the students to come up with three possible responses that Andrew could give to the teacher in this situation.
4. Have the students discuss which response would be the most appropriate and why, considering the use of a filter in communication.
5. Repeat the process with different situations to provide students with ample opportunities to practice using a filter.

This activity encourages students to think about the consequences of their words and actions and helps them develop empathy and understanding for others.

Discussion Questions

After completing the activity, use the following questions to stimulate further discussions among the students:

1. Why is it important to use a filter in our communication?
2. How can using a filter in communication help us build better relationships with others?
3. What are some situations where it might be challenging to use a filter? How can we overcome those challenges?
4. How can we recognize when something should be kept private instead of being shared with others?
5. How can we practice using a filter in our daily lives?

Related Skills

In addition to using a filter in communication, there are other relevant skills that can help middle school students improve their social-emotional learning. These include:

• Active listening: Paying close attention to what others are saying and responding thoughtfully.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
• Conflict resolution: Finding peaceful solutions to disagreements and conflicts.
• Respect: Showing consideration and appreciation for the feelings, opinions, and rights of others.
• Self-awareness: Recognizing and understanding our own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses.

Next Steps

Now that you have learned about using a filter in communication and its importance in social-emotional learning, consider exploring more resources to enhance your teaching. Sign up for free samples of the discussed skills and others to help your middle school students develop essential social-emotional competencies. With the right tools and guidance, you can foster a positive learning environment that promotes personal growth and success.