Social Blueprint Slides Social Skills Architecture
Social Blueprint
Building Strong Peer Connections
Today's Inspection
01
Identify Strengths
Recognize the social tools you already use effectively.
02
Spot Challenges
Identify "areas under construction" that feel tricky or confusing.
03
Create a Plan
Decide on one specific tool to sharpen this week.
Structural Terms
Strengths
Things you are naturally good at or have practiced enough that they feel comfortable.
Easy to do
Makes you feel confident
Challenges
Situations that feel confusing, tiring, or require a lot of extra effort to navigate.
Needs extra "work"
Areas for growth
Social Tool Inventory
Which of these do you use? Which are still in the box?
Active Listening
Showing someone you hear them.
Small Talk
Starting "filler" conversations.
Group Entry
Joining a circle of people.
Social Cues
Reading body language/tone.
Boundaries
Knowing when to give space.
Sharing Interests
Talking about things you love.
Why Analyze Your Blueprint?
Energy Management: Knowing what drains you helps you prepare.
Better Connections: Lean into your strengths to find "your people."
Self-Advocacy: Explaining what you need to others becomes easier.
Worksite Check
Open your "Strength Finder" Worksheet
1. Review the social scenarios.
2. Check which "tools" you used well.
3. Mark which "tools" were hard to find.
10 Minutes
"Every great structure starts with a plan. Your social world is still under construction, and that's okay."
Strength Finder Worksheet Social Blueprint
Strength Finder Worksheet
Inspector:
Date:
Phase 1: Structural Audit
Read each social skill below. Check the box that best describes how that "tool" feels for you right now.
Social Skill / Tool
Strength (Easy)
OK (Fine)
Challenge (Hard)
Sharing my interests
Talking about things I'm passionate about.
Asking follow-up questions
Asking more about what someone else just said.
Reading "The Room"
Noticing how people are feeling based on their tone.
Joining a group
Finding a way to enter a conversation already happening.
Phase 2: Maintenance Report
What is one social situation where you feel like an expert builder (A major strength)?
What is one social situation that currently feels "Under Construction" (A major challenge)?
Phase 3: Future Renovations
Pick one tool you want to sharpen this week. How will you know you used it?
The Tool
Success Indicator
Social Scenarios Cards Site Inspection #1
Scenario: The Lunch Table
You see a group of classmates talking about a new movie you just watched. You want to join the conversation, but they are all talking at once and laughing loudly.
Analysis Questions:
• Which tool is needed to join in?
• What might make this a challenge?
Site Inspection #2
Scenario: Group Project
Your partner is explaining their idea for the project. You realize you have a really great idea too, but you need to wait for them to finish speaking first.
Analysis Questions:
• Which strength is being tested here?
• How do you know when it's your turn?
Site Inspection #3
Scenario: The Gaming Club
Someone asks you about your favorite video game. You could talk about it for hours! You notice the other person is starting to look at their watch and shift their feet.
Analysis Questions:
• What "Social Cue" tool is being used?
• What should you do next?
Site Inspection #4
Scenario: After School
A classmate you don't know very well says, "Hey, cool shirt!" as they walk by. You aren't sure if they want to start a full conversation or if they are just being nice.
Analysis Questions:
• Is this a "Small Talk" opportunity?
• What is a low-energy way to respond?
Builder Guide Teacher Notes Builder Guide
Social Blueprint • Teacher Facilitation Notes
30-Min Session
Project Goal
To provide 9th-grade students with a structured framework for self-reflection on social skills, framing social navigation as a learnable engineering process rather than an innate talent.
Materials Needed
• Social Blueprint Slides
• Strength Finder Worksheet
• Social Scenarios Cards
• Timers (optional)
Pacing & Milestones
00-05
Site Intro: The Blueprint Metaphor
Introduce the concept that social life is built like a house. Some parts of our foundation are strong (Strengths), and some are still being worked on (Challenges).
Key Question: "Why do we use a blueprint before building something big?"
05-15
Inventory Check: Tools of the Trade
Walk through the "Social Toolbox" slides. Define specific behaviors (active listening vs. small talk). Use the **Social Scenario Cards** to model how to identify these tools in action.
Differentiation Tip: Some students may struggle with "Small Talk." Define it as "Conversation Bridge"—it gets you from point A to point B.
15-25
Active Inspection: Strength Finder
Students work independently on the **Strength Finder Worksheet**. Circulate to help students identify their "Expert Builder" area. Many students with Autism focus on challenges; push them to identify at least two strengths.
25-30
Future Renovation: One-Tool Goal
Wrap up by having each student select one "Tool" to sharpen this week. This should be a small, manageable goal (e.g., "Ask one follow-up question in science class").
Project Troubleshooting (ASD Support)
Abstract vs. Concrete
If a student struggles with "Strengths," ask: "What's the easiest social thing for you to do?" If they struggle with "Challenges," ask: "What social situation makes you feel most tired?"
Self-Criticism
Some students may see their whole "blueprint" as a failure. Remind them that blueprints *always* include areas for change and that construction is never finished, even for adults.
