Awesome vs Annoying Lesson Plan The Awesome vs. The Annoying
Middle School Social Awareness & Relationship Skills
Grade: 6th–8th
Time
30 Minutes
Approach
Scenario Analysis & Reflection
Setting
Tier 1 Classroom
Why It Matters
Understanding the impact of behavior helps students build stronger relationships and navigate social situations more effectively by recognizing subtle cues.
Objective
Students will be able to differentiate between friendly and bossy or annoying behaviors by analyzing at least 5 different social scenarios.
Preparation Steps (15 Minutes)
Review the Lesson Plan and all linked materials.
Load the What's the Vibe? Slide Deck .
Print and cut out cards for the Social Scenario Sort Game .
Make copies of the My Social Reflection Journal for each student.
Gather Friend-o-Meter Project materials (paper, coloring supplies, rulers).
Required Materials
Smartboard / Projector What's the Vibe? Slide Deck Social Scenario Sort Game My Social Reflection Journal The Friend-o-Meter Project Guide
Instructional Sequence
01 5 Min
Introduction: Awesome or Annoying?
Slides 1–2
1. Display the title slide of the What's the Vibe? Slide Deck .
2. Ask students: "What does it mean for someone to be 'awesome' to hang out with? What about 'annoying'?"
3. Introduce the lesson objective: to explore the spectrum of social behaviors and understand their impact on others.
02 10 Min
Scenario Sort & Discussion
Slides 3–5
1. Divide students into small groups and distribute the Social Scenario Sort Game cards.
2. Instruct groups to sort scenarios into: 'Definitely Friendly', 'A Little Bossy/Annoying', and 'Definitely Bossy/Annoying'.
3. Facilitate class discussion on key scenarios. Prompt: "Why did you place this here? How might the recipient feel? What's the difference between asking and telling?"
03 8 Min
Self-Reflection & Journaling
Slide 6
1. Distribute the My Social Reflection Journal .
2. Guide students through prompts, encouraging reflection on their own behaviors and others' perceptions.
3. Emphasize the "Check-In" Question: "Is this friendly, or could it be perceived as bossy/annoying?"
04 5 Min
Friend-o-Meter Project Launch
Slide 7
1. Introduce The Friend-o-Meter Project as a way to visualize the 'friendly vs. bossy' spectrum.
2. Explain project guidelines and rubric. This can be homework or a future session.
3. Briefly review main concepts and answer questions.
Whats the Vibe Slide Deck Social Awareness
THE
AWESOME
What kind of vibe do you give off to the people around you?
Middle School SEL
Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of social vibes! Ask them to think about what makes someone 'awesome' to be around and what behaviors can be a bit 'annoying.' Get them thinking about how their actions impact others.
OUR GOAL TODAY
Learn to tell the difference between friendly and... well, not-so-friendly behaviors.
Friendly
Making friends, being a good teammate.
Bossy/Annoying
Pushing people away, causing conflict.
Explain that today's goal is to become masters at spotting the difference between friendly actions and those that might come across as bossy or annoying. This skill is super important for making and keeping great friends!
SCENARIO SORT:
WHAT'S THE VIBE?
Let's look at some real-life situations.
1 Work with your group.
2 Read each scenario card.
3 Decide where it fits on the scale.
Definitely Friendly
A Little Bossy / Annoying
Definitely Bossy / Annoying
Introduce the 'Social Scenario Sort Game.' Explain that they will be given cards with different social situations and their task is to decide where each scenario falls on the spectrum. Emphasize that there isn't always one 'right' answer, but it's about perspective.
DISCUSS & REFLECT
Why did your group categorize that scenario the way you did?
How might the person experiencing the behavior feel?
Mindset
What's the INTENTION?
Result
What's the IMPACT?
After the groups have sorted a few scenarios, bring the class back together to discuss one or two. Guide the conversation by asking questions that encourage empathy and perspective-taking.
The "Friendly vs. Bossy" Spectrum
Friendly
Inviting, encouraging, respectful
A Fine Line
Check your vibe!
Bossy
Demanding, controlling, disrespectful
The "Check-In" Question
"Is this friendly, or could it be perceived as bossy/annoying?"
Use this slide to further explore the 'Friendly vs. Bossy' Spectrum. Give examples if needed, like 'Can you pass the ball?' (friendly) vs. 'Pass the ball to me NOW!' (bossy). Introduce the 'Check-In' question as a tool.
The Friend-o-Meter Project Guide Project Guide
The Friend-o-Meter Project
Due Date
[Insert Date Here]
Objective
Demonstrate your understanding of social behaviors (friendly vs. bossy/annoying) by creating a visual representation of the behavioral spectrum.
The Mission
Imagine you are creating a tool to help people understand social interactions better. Your task is to design a "Friend-o-Meter" that visually represents the range of behaviors from "Super Awesome Friend" to "Total Vibe Killer."
What You Need to Deliver
1
A Visual Friend-o-Meter
The Scale
Include at least 5 distinct points (e.g., Very Friendly, Mostly Friendly, Sometimes Annoying, Often Bossy, Very Annoying).
The Examples
Provide at least two concrete examples of behaviors for each point on your scale.
✅ Creative Design ✅ Colorful/Clear ✅ Easy to Read
2
Short Written Explanation
Write one solid paragraph addressing these points:
What does your Friend-o-Meter specifically show?
Why is it important for people to understand this spectrum?
How does the "Check-In" Question fit into using your meter?
Assessment Rubric
Criteria 4: Exceeds 3: Meets 2: Developing 1: Needs Support Content Accuracy Highly accurate, nuanced examples. Accurately identifies behaviors with clear examples. Some examples unclear or miscategorized. Struggles to differentiate behaviors. Visual Design Exceptional creativity & clarity. 5 levels, creative and clear. 3-4 levels, basic visuals. Fewer than 3 levels, unclear. Explanation Insightful, deep understanding shown. Clearly addresses all prompts. Addresses some prompts but lacks depth. Minimal or does not address prompts.
Social Scenario Sort Game Cards Social Scenario Sort Game
Instructions: Cut out each scenario card below. In your group, discuss each scenario and decide if it is Definitely Friendly, A Little Bossy/Annoying, or Definitely Bossy/Annoying. Be ready to explain your choices!
Scenario 01
Your friend is taking a long time to choose a game to play. You say, "Hurry up! Just pick something already!"
The Vibe Verdict:
Scenario 02
You notice a new student sitting alone at lunch. You walk over and say, "Hey, there's an open spot here if you want to join us!"
The Vibe Verdict:
Scenario 03
You and a classmate are working on a group project. You say, "I think it would be a good idea if we started with the research, then moved to the presentation."
The Vibe Verdict:
Scenario 04
During a team sport, you yell, "Give me the ball! You always mess up!"
The Vibe Verdict:
Scenario 05
Your friend is telling a story, and you interrupt to finish their sentences because you know what they're going to say.
The Vibe Verdict:
Scenario 06
You're planning a hangout. You text, "Anyone want to get ice cream after school? Let me know what time works best!"
The Vibe Verdict:
Scenario 07
Your younger sibling is struggling with homework. You sit down next to them and calmly offer to help explain a difficult problem.
The Vibe Verdict:
Scenario 08
A group is deciding on a movie. You insist, "We HAVE to watch this movie! It's the only good one!"
The Vibe Verdict:
Scenario 09
You borrow a pencil from a classmate and return it to them at the end of class, saying "Thanks!"
The Vibe Verdict:
Scenario 10
You see someone accidentally drop their books. You immediately rush over to help them pick everything up without being asked.
The Vibe Verdict:
Scenario 11
You are organizing a group activity and assign everyone specific roles without asking for their input or preferences.
The Vibe Verdict:
Scenario 12
You disagree with a friend's opinion and loudly declare, "That's a stupid idea! Nobody would ever think that!"
The Vibe Verdict:
My Social Reflection Journal My Social Reflection Journal
Reflecting on my vibe & impact
Name:
Date:
Sometimes, we don't realize how our actions come across to others. This journal is a space for you to think about your own social behaviors and how you can be the most awesome friend possible!
1
My Social Self-Portrait
Think about a time recently when you interacted with friends, family, or classmates. Describe your behavior. Were you mostly friendly, helpful, or a good listener? Or were there moments when you might have been a little bossy, impatient, or accidentally annoying? Be honest with yourself!
2
The "Check-In" Question in Action
"Is this friendly, or could it be perceived as bossy/annoying?"
Recall a scenario where someone's behavior was a little bossy or annoying. If they had used the "Check-In" Question above before acting, how might their behavior have changed? What would have been the outcome?
3
Becoming an "Awesome Vibe" Creator
What is one specific change you can make this week to ensure your interactions are more consistently on the "friendly" side of the spectrum? How will you remember to make this change?
My Social Goal 
