A set of interactive scenario cards designed for 9th-grade students to explore social dynamics, perspective-taking, and conflict resolution in school and home settings.
"I thought these were cool. Now I just want to hide."
Workshop Questions
Perspective: Why is it hard for someone to say "that's not funny" in a group?
Empathy: How can you tell when a friend is pretending to laugh?
Solving: What could a "bystander" friend do to change the subject?
Consequence: How does this affect Chloe's self-confidence next time she gets dressed?
04: Family Communication
"11:30? Pleeease?"
🙎♂️
Jax
10:00
"Safety first, Jax."
👴
Dad
The Curfew Negotiation
The 10:00 PM Wall
Jax wants to stay out late for a party. Dad sets a hard limit of 10 PM. Jax feels he's not trusted; Dad is worried about safety and the math test tomorrow.
Jax's Lens
"I'm being treated like a child. Everyone else is staying late."
Dad's Lens
"Nothing good happens after midnight, and grades matter."
Workshop Questions
Perspective: What specific fears might a parent have about a teen out late?
Empathy: Why is the "fear of missing out" (FOMO) so powerful at this age?
Solving: What can Jax do to earn more trust for future requests?
Next: If Jax sneaks in late, how does that affect his dad's trust next time?
05: Inclusion
😟
Maya
🗨️
🗨️
The Table
The New Kid Gap
The Invisible Student
Maya is new. She sits at a table where a group is talking loudly about a party. No one looks at her or asks her name. Maya hides in her book.
Group's Lens
"We're just excited! We aren't being mean, we're just busy talking."
Maya's Lens
"They clearly don't want to meet me. I wish I could just disappear."
Workshop Questions
Perspective: Why might a group fail to notice a new person right next to them?
Empathy: How does it feel to be in a crowded room but feel alone?
Solving: What is one simple sentence someone in the group could say?
Next: What is the impact on a "new kid" if no one reaches out for weeks?
06: Communication / Tech
"I'm so stressed about this audition. I can't sleep..."
K.
💔
❓
Digital Tone Deafness
The One-Letter Reply
Sam sent a long, heartfelt text to Riley explaining stress about an audition. Riley replied with just "K." Sam is hurt and thinks Riley is annoyed.
Sam's Lens
"I poured my heart out and they couldn't even give me a full sentence."
Riley's Lens
"I was walking into practice! I just wanted to say 'got it' for now."
Workshop Questions
Perspective: Why is tone so hard to understand over text vs. in person?
Empathy: How might Riley feel if they knew Sam was upset over a 1-letter text?
Solving: What could Sam do before assuming the worst?
Next: If they don't talk about this, how does it affect their next meeting?
07: Teacher Interaction
😕
C
Ben
🧐
Teacher
The Rubric Debate
The Subjective Grade
Ben followed every rule on the rubric but got a 'C' because the teacher said it wasn't "original" enough. Ben thinks it's unfair.
Ben's Lens
"I checked all the technical boxes. My grade shouldn't depend on opinion."
Teacher's Lens
"He played it safe. I want to push him to find his own unique voice."
Workshop Questions
Perspective: How might a teacher's goals differ from a student's goals?
Empathy: Why might Ben feel discouraged rather than "pushed"?
Solving: What questions could Ben ask to understand the feedback better?
Next: What happens to Ben's future writing if he just gives up on being original?
08: Family Expectations
👩🎨
Elena
👩💼
Mom
The Elective Choice
Passion vs. Practicality
Elena wants Advanced Studio Art. Her mom wants her to take AP Coding because it "looks better on college apps." Elena feels her talents are being ignored.
Elena's Lens
"Art is where I feel like myself. Why can't she support my happiness?"
Mom's Lens
"High school is competitive. I want her to have every advantage later."
Workshop Questions
Perspective: Why might a parent prioritize the "future" over the "present"?
Empathy: How can Elena explain the emotional value of her talent?
Solving: Is there a middle-ground (e.g., Summer Coding, Art elective)?
Next: What happens to their relationship if Mom forces the decision?
09: Friendship / FOMO
🤳
"Wait... they are all at the movies?"
🍿
📽️
😊
The Social Media Sting
The Uninvited Guest
Jordan is scrolling on Friday night and sees a group photo of his 4 closest friends at the movies. He wasn't invited. He wonders if they have a separate group chat.
Jordan's Lens
"I'm being replaced. They obviously don't want to be friends with me anymore."
Friends' Lens
"It was just a quick decision while we were together. We didn't think it was a big deal."
Workshop Questions
Perspective: Why does social media make events feel more "exclusive"?
Empathy: How would the friends feel if they knew Jordan was watching at home?
Solving: Should Jordan ask about it, or let it go? How?
Next: If Jordan starts withdrawing, how does that affect the group?
10: Family / Siblings
"I have a final exam!"
😤
Kai
"I live here too!"
🤣
Toby
The Living Room War
Shared Space Battle
Kai is studying for a final in the living room. His younger brother Toby comes in to play loud video games. Kai wants quiet; Toby says he was there first.
Kai's Lens
"My future depends on this. He's just being annoying on purpose."
Toby's Lens
"Kai always acts like his stuff is more important than mine. It's my house too."
Workshop Questions
Perspective: Why might a younger sibling feel the need to "defend" their space?
Empathy: How does school stress change how we treat people at home?
Solving: What are 3 solutions they could both agree on?
Next: If Kai yells and starts a fight, how does it help his studying?
