In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of being mindful of staring, particularly when interacting with people we find interesting or attractive. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) principles come into play as we explore an easy-to-implement activity, discussion questions, and related skills that can help students improve their social interactions, especially in special education settings. By the end of this post, you will be better equipped to guide your students in understanding the impact of their actions on others and navigating social situations more effectively.

Introduction

Staring can make others feel uncomfortable, even if it is unintentional. It is important for students to understand the difference between making eye contact during conversation and staring at someone for a prolonged period. This distinction is particularly crucial when interacting with people they find attractive or interesting, as it can create feelings of embarrassment or unease. By teaching students to be mindful of their gaze and consider the feelings of others, we can foster a more inclusive and respectful environment.

No-Prep Activity

This activity, called “The Gaze Game,” requires no preparation or materials and can be easily facilitated in the classroom. Divide your students into pairs and ask them to stand or sit facing each other. The objective of the game is for each student to make eye contact with their partner for a few seconds, then look away. They should take turns doing this, and the goal is to maintain a comfortable balance between eye contact and looking away. Encourage students to be aware of their partner’s reactions and adjust their gaze accordingly. After a few minutes, have the students switch partners and repeat the activity. Once the game is completed, facilitate a group discussion about how it felt to make eye contact and look away, and what they learned about being mindful of staring.

Discussion Questions

1. How did it feel to make eye contact with your partner during the activity? Were there any moments where you felt uncomfortable?
2. What are some situations where it is important to be mindful of your gaze and not stare at others?
3. Why is it important to consider how our actions, like staring, can make others feel uncomfortable?
4. Can you think of a time when you felt uncomfortable because someone was staring at you? How did it make you feel?
5. How can being mindful of staring help improve our social interactions and relationships with others?

Related Skills

Being mindful of staring is just one aspect of effective social interactions. Other related skills that can help students navigate social situations include:

• Active listening: Paying close attention to what others are saying and responding thoughtfully.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, and considering how our actions impact them.
• Respect for personal boundaries: Recognizing and respecting the physical and emotional boundaries of others.
• Nonverbal communication: Interpreting and responding to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.
• Conflict resolution: Addressing disagreements or misunderstandings in a respectful and constructive manner.

Next Steps

Teaching students to be mindful of staring is an important aspect of fostering positive social interactions. By incorporating SEL principles and engaging activities, you can help your students develop the skills they need to create a more inclusive and respectful environment. To explore more activities and resources related to this skill and others, sign up for free sample materials from Everyday Speech.