Connected Crew Slides High School Life Skills
Unit 1 • Social Connections
Connected Crew
Three powerful tools to feel confident, respect others, and build strong friendships every day.
1. Personal Space
The One-Arm Rule
2. Asking for Help
Clear 3-Step Plan
3. Great Conversations
Turn-Taking Tennis
Skill 1
Personal Space & Boundaries
Respect & Safety
The "One-Arm Rule"
Everyone has an invisible boundary bubble around their body. It keeps us feeling safe and relaxed.
Keep one arm's length away when talking.
Always ask before touching or hugging: "Is a high five okay?"
The Safe Zone
Try it now: Reach one arm forward. If your fingers can touch their shoulder, take one step back!
Class Check-In: How do you feel when someone stands too close to you?
Skill 1 Practice
Reading Body Language Cues
Notice the Signs
Too Close Signs
They lean back or take a step away
They cross their arms or look uncomfortable
They look around for a way to leave
Action: Take one polite step back!
Just Right Signs
Relaxed shoulders and friendly face
Making natural eye contact
Body is calm and facing toward you
Action: You are in the comfort zone!
Partner Quick-Test: Stand up with a partner. Show one arm's distance right now!
Practice
Skill 2
Asking for Help With Confidence
Smart Self-Advocacy
1
Stop & Notice
Feel stuck, confused, or frustrated? That means it is time to ask!
Name what you need.
2
Find a Helper
Look for a teacher, aide, coworker, or classmate who is free.
Wait until they are not speaking.
3
Say the Words
Use a calm, clear voice with polite magic words.
"Excuse me, can you help me?"
Asking for help is a sign of strength and independence!
Skill 2 Scripts
What Words Do I Say?
Ready-to-Use Scripts
Asking an Adult / Teacher
When stuck on work: "Excuse me, could you show me step one again?"
When feeling overwhelmed: "I need a two-minute break, please."
Asking a Peer / Classmate
When missing supplies: "Hey Sam, do you have an extra pencil I can borrow?"
When working in a team: "Which part do you want to work on together?"
You can also use your desk Help Card if you prefer not to speak out loud!
Visual Option
Skill 3
Conversations Are Like Tennis!
Turn-Taking Model
1. Catch & Listen
Look toward the person. Keep your hands quiet. Hear what they say.
2. Respond Back
Acknowledge their words: "That sounds fun!" or "I like that too."
3. Ask a Question
Hit the ball back: "What game did you play?" or "What do you think?"
Golden Rule: If one person talks the whole time, the game stops!
Pass the Ball!
Skill 3 Practice
The Topic Train: Stay on Track!
Connecting Thoughts
Topic of the Day: "Weekend Activities"
ON THE TRACKS
"I watched the basketball game on Saturday. Did you watch it?"
→ Connects directly to the weekend!
OFF THE TRACKS
"I like dinosaurs because T-Rex has sharp teeth."
→ Interesting, but not about the weekend!
Want to switch topics? Use a bridge: "That reminds me of..." or "Speaking of that..."
Daily Mission
Put Your Superpowers to Work!
Connected Crew Challenge
Space Check
Give classmates one arm of space in the hallways and lunchroom.
Ask for Help
If you are unsure of anything today, try our 3 steps with a teacher.
Conversation
Ask a peer one question and listen to their answer without interrupting.
You have what it takes to be a great teammate and friend!
Connected Crew Lesson Plan High School Life Skills • Social Communication
Connected Crew: Facilitator Lesson Plan
Duration: 50–60 min
Audience: High School (Grades 9–12+)
Measurable IEP-Aligned Objectives
• Personal Space: Given a social scenario, student will demonstrate the "one-arm rule" (at least 3 feet of personal space) in 4 of 5 opportunities.
• Requesting Help: Student will identify a state of confusion/frustration and use a verbal script or visual cue card to ask an adult/peer for help within 2 minutes in 3 of 4 trials.
• Conversational Turn-Taking: Student will participate in a back-and-forth conversation for at least 2 reciprocal turns while staying on topic in 4 of 5 trials.
Key Vocabulary
Boundary Bubble: Safe personal distance.
Self-Advocacy: Asking for what you need.
Reciprocal: Back-and-forth exchange.
Visual Cards & Exit Tickets ready
Instructional Pacing Guide
Time Phase Teacher & Student Actions 10 min Hook & Slide Intro Display Slides 1–2. Model the "One-Arm Rule". Have students stand and physically measure safe space with an outstretched arm. 15 min Explicit Instruction Teach Skills 2 & 3 (Slides 4–7). Demonstrate the 3-step Help Formula and the Conversation Tennis analogy with a soft foam ball. 20 min Guided Practice (We Do) Distribute Guided Practice Worksheet. Students work through real-world scenarios in pairs with staff prompt scaffolding. 10 min Exit Ticket & Wrap Students complete the visual exit ticket independently or with 1:1 aide scribing. Review the daily challenge.
Direct Instruction Scripts ("I Do") Teacher Talk Verbatim
1 Space Modeling
"Watch me stand next to Mr. James. If I can touch his shoulder, I am too close. I take one step back. Now my arm reaches the air in front of him. That feels calm and respectful."
2 Help Modeling
"I am looking at this worksheet and I don't know what to write. I feel frustrated. I stop. I see Ms. Davis is not talking. I say: 'Excuse me, Ms. Davis, could you help me with question one?'"
3 Turn Tennis Modeling
Social Cue Cards Anchor Sheet Classroom & Community Visual Supports
Connected Crew: Visual Desk & Pocket Cue Cards
Cut along dotted lines • Laminate for daily use
Visual Cue Card 1
My Space Bubble
1 Arm Rule
1
Green: 1 Arm Away (Safe)
Hallways, class discussions, talking with friends.
2
Yellow: Touch With Permission
High-five, fist bump, or shaking hands. Always ask!
3
Red: Close Family & Private Space
Hugs and close contact. Only with trusted family.
Can you touch their shoulder? Take 1 step back!
Visual Cue Card 2
I Need Help!
3 Steps
1
Notice the Feeling
Stuck, confused, missing a tool, or frustrated.
2
Find a Helper
Teacher, aide, or classmate who is not talking.
3
Use Your Words or Card
"Excuse me, could you show me this part?"
Non-verbal: Tap this card or raise quiet hand
Visual Cue Card 3
Conversation Tennis
Pass the Ball
1. Listen (Catch) Look at partner, do not interrupt.
2. Comment (Bounce) "That's cool!" or "I like that too."
3. Question (Hit Back) "What do you think?" or "How about you?"
1 idea from me + 1 question for you!
Visual Cue Card 4
The Topic Train
Stay On Track
Great Question Starters:
"What is your favorite...?"
"What did you do this weekend?"
"Did you see the game yesterday?"
How to Change Topics:
Say: "That reminds me of..." or "Speaking of lunch, what are you eating?"
Keep the conversation on the same track!
Connected Crew • High School Life Skills Support Cards Desk Cues / Binder Inserts / AAC Scaffolds
Social Scenarios Guided Practice Connected Crew • Guided Practice
Social Choices in Action
Name:
Date:
Directions: Read each scenario with your teacher or partner. Choose and circle the best social choice!
1
Personal Space: The One-Arm Rule
Scenario A: You are standing in the cafeteria lunch line. The person in front of you steps back and looks uncomfortable. What should you do?
A Take one step back to give them one arm of space.
B Move closer and tap them repeatedly on the arm.
Scenario B: You see your friend after the weekend and want to give them a high five. What is the most respectful move?
A Hold your hand up and ask: "High five?" before touching.
B Run up and grab their shoulders without saying anything.
2
Asking For Help: The Right Words
Scenario C: Your locker is stuck in the hallway. You feel frustrated and the bell will ring soon. What is the best action?
A Kick the locker door and shout out loud.
B Walk to a hall monitor and say: "Excuse me, my locker is jammed. Can you help me?"
Scenario D: You are working on an assignment and you do not understand step 3. What can you do right now?
A Raise your hand or tap your desk Help Card to signal the teacher.
B Put your head down and rip the paper into pieces.
Connected Crew Guided Practice Sheet Turn page for Partner Role-Play →
Guided Practice • Part 2 Partner Interactive Lab
Conversation Tennis & Live Practice
3
Keep the Conversation Ball Bouncing!
Read what Marcus says. Choose the response that stays on topic and asks a question back.
Marcus says: "I watched the high school football game on Friday night. It was so exciting!"
A "That's awesome! Did our school win the game?"
B "I like to eat pancakes for breakfast on Saturdays."
4
Partner Live Role-Play Lab
Work with a Partner or Aide
Partner Name:
Station 1: The Space Bubble Test
Stand up facing your partner. Extend your arm. Step back until only fingertips reach air. Ask: "Is this comfortable space for you?"
Done
Station 2: The Help Request Script
Pretend you cannot open a jar or complete a step. Wait for partner to pause, then say: "Excuse me, could you give me a hand with this?"
Done
Station 3: Conversation 2-Turn Exchange
Turn 1: Partner asks about your favorite movie/song. Turn 2: You answer, then ask them: "What movie/song do you like?"
Visual Check Exit Ticket Connected Crew • Quick Check
Social Superpowers Exit Ticket
Name:
Date:
Show what you know! Read or listen to each question and circle your best answer.
1
Personal Space Rule
How much space should you keep between yourself and a classmate when talking?
A One arm's length away (safe boundary bubble).
B Touching noses or leaning right against them.
2
Asking For Help
You don't understand what to do on an assignment. What is the best step?
A Sit quietly, say nothing, and leave the page blank.
B Raise a hand or use your Help Card to ask a teacher.
3
Conversation Tennis
A classmate says: "I love listening to music after school." How do you hit the ball back?
A "Nice! Who is your favorite music artist?"
B Turn away and start talking about a lawn mower.
Self-Reflection: How do you feel about using these skills?
Circle one face below
I Got This! Ready to do it on my own
Getting Better Still practicing with help
Need More Practice I want to practice more
My Connected Crew Goal:
Circle one goal you will try today in the hallway or lunchroom:
• Check 1 arm of space • Use my help script • Ask a peer a question
PROUD!
Connected Crew • Social Skills Exit Assessment Great job today!
