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Lens Flip Perspective Taking

A 30-minute group session focused on perspective-taking skills to help students navigate the social and emotional challenges of transitioning to high school.

Aaborgen

Lens Flip Session Guide

High School Transition & Perspective-Taking

30 MIN SESSION

Note: Use with the "Perspective Shift Role Play Cards" document

1

The "Snap Judgement" Opener (5 Mins)

Ask: "You say hi to a friend in the hall. They walk right past you. What's your first thought?"

Objective: Show how we assume the worst when stressed.

2

The F.L.I.P. Strategy (10 Mins)

FACTS

What happened? (No drama).

LOOK

Context? Time? Stress clues?

IMAGINE

Alternative stories.

PROCEED

Pick a helpful tone.

3

Lens Flip Practice (10 Mins)

Distribute the role-play cards. In pairs, students practice the 'A' (defensive) vs 'B' (flipped) responses. Focus on how tone changes the outcome.

"How does the other person react when you use the Flip Tone?"

4

Cool Down (5 Mins)

Review: Stress makes our 'lens' blurry. Taking a breath allows you to F.L.I.P. the scenario before you react.

Takeaway: Most things aren't personal.

Lens Flip v1.0 | SEL Transition Series

Perspective Shift Role Play Cards

Cut along the dashed lines. Students practice the tones and brainstorm their own "Flip".

Scenario 1

The Ghosted Text

"A project partner hasn't replied to your text for 3 hours, but they're active on social media."

A: Defensive Tone

"I'm going to text them 'Good luck failing'."

B: Flipped Tone

"They might be stuck or overwhelmed. I'll wait."

Your Turn: Alternative Flip

Focus: Stress Management

Scenario 2

Teacher Feedback

"A teacher says 'Try harder next time' when handing back a paper in front of others."

A: Defensive Tone

"She hates me. I'm not trying in here anymore."

B: Flipped Tone

"She might just be blunt. I'll ask for tips later."

Your Turn: Alternative Flip

Focus: Tone with Authority

Scenario 3

The Silent Bus

"A friend immediately puts headphones on when you sit down, ignoring you."

A: Defensive Tone

"Fine, ignore me. We're clearly not friends."

B: Flipped Tone

"They probably had a rough day and need space."

Your Turn: Alternative Flip

Focus: Social Perspective

Scenario 4

The Snap-Back

"A parent snaps at you to clean your room as soon as you walk in the door."

A: Defensive Tone

"You're always in a bad mood! I hate it here."

B: Flipped Tone

"Work was probably rough. I'll clean and talk later."

Your Turn: Alternative Flip

Focus: Context & Conflict

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