Space Detective Cards
Classroom Resource • Social Radar Series
Space Detective Scenario Cards
PART 1: CASES 1 - 4
Mission Guide: Cut out these cards along the dashed lines. Use them in pairs, small groups, or 1-on-1 counseling to investigate personal space, recognize body language, and practice respecting boundaries.
CASE FILE #1 The Surprise Hugger
The Morning Rush
Noah gets extremely excited when he sees his friend Marcus in the hallway before class. Noah runs up from behind and wraps him in a massive, tight bear hug. Marcus immediately stiffens his entire body, forces himself out of the hug, and looks around at nearby classmates with a red face.
Radar Cues & Discussion:
- What visual "radar clues" did Noah completely miss?
- What was Marcus likely feeling in that sudden moment?
- How could Noah show excitement without touching Marcus?
CASE FILE #2 Desk Hovering
The Drawing Watcher
Maya wants to see the anime character Chloe is sketching. She walks over and leans right over Chloe's shoulder, with her chin almost touching Chloe's neck, breathing heavily. Chloe stops sketching, pulls her arms close to cover her paper, and starts tapping her left foot rapidly on the floor.
Radar Cues & Discussion:
- Where is Chloe's personal space circle being crossed?
- What non-verbal clues did Chloe show to say "back up"?
- What is a polite way for Maya to ask to see the drawing?
CASE FILE #3 Boundary Check
The Unmet High-Five
Sam is excitedly high-fiving everyone walking in line. When he gets to Alex, Alex crosses his arms tightly and says, "No thanks, not today." Sam feels slightly embarrassed and says, "Come on, don't be a party pooper!" and tries to grab Alex's hands to high-five anyway.
Radar Cues & Discussion:
- Alex set a clear verbal boundary. Did Sam respect it?
- What should Sam do immediately when someone says "no" to touch?
- Why does a high-five require double agreement?
CASE FILE #4 Space Rules
The Teacher's Zone
Mr. Alvarez is grading exit tickets at his desk before lunch. Leo walks right behind Mr. Alvarez's desk to ask about a grade, leaning his hands directly on the computer screen. Mr. Alvarez leans back far in his chair, sighs, and gently says, "Leo, please step to the front of the desk."
Radar Cues & Discussion:
- Why is a teacher's desk area a special personal boundary?
- What visual and verbal clues did Mr. Alvarez show?
- How can Leo ask his question while respecting the space rules?
Cut along the dashed border of each card to create your Detective deck. Page 1 of 2
Classroom Resource • Social Radar Series
Space Detective Scenario Cards
PART 2: CASES 5 - 8
Mission Guide: Work through these advanced boundary cards. Pay special attention to verbal statements versus non-verbal reactions. Practice role-playing the improved responses!
CASE FILE #5 Direct Statement
The Slide Request
During a group science lab, Jordan keeps leaning closer and closer to Tyler to read instructions off the iPad. Tyler leans back, looks at Jordan, and says clearly, "Hey Jordan, can you slide over a little? You're in my space." Jordan laughs, says "Relax, it's fine!" and does not move.
Radar Cues & Discussion:
- What explicit verbal instruction did Tyler offer?
- How did Jordan dismiss this? What should Jordan have done?
- Why does failing to respect requests make group work hard?
CASE FILE #6 Good Intentions
Comforting Sofia
Ella sees her best friend Sofia looking down and sad at her locker. Hoping to cheer Sofia up, Ella runs over and begins firmly rubbing Sofia's upper back. Sofia shrugs her shoulders high, slides sideways away from Ella's hand, and murmurs, "Please don't do that right now."
Radar Cues & Discussion:
- Why can touch feel bad even when your intentions are great?
- What should Ella do or say next to show Sofia care?
- What are three touch-free ways to comfort a friend?
CASE FILE #7 Group Spacing
The Lunch Squeeze
Liam is looking for a spot at a packed cafeteria table. He pushes his way right between Kai and Zoe, forcing his arms and tray into their space. Kai signs heavily and turns his body completely away, while Zoe crosses her arms tight and pulls her shoulders in to avoid touching him.
Radar Cues & Discussion:
- What physical "bubble clues" did Kai and Zoe display?
- What should Liam have asked before sitting down?
- If a table is full, what is a better choice for finding a seat?
CASE FILE #8 Tech Boundaries
The Screen Grab
Lucas is showing some funny memes on his phone to his desk group. Gabe gets super excited, reaches over, and pulls Lucas's phone right out of his hands to zoom in. Lucas immediately frowns, clenches his teeth, and pulls his phone back, saying, "Hey, don't just grab my phone!"
Radar Cues & Discussion:
- How are physical devices connected to someone's personal space?
- What physical or facial expressions did Lucas use to show anger?
- What is the golden rule for touching another person's school device?
Cut along the dashed border of each card to create your Detective deck. Page 2 of 2
Social Radar Slides
RADAR ONLINE
Detective Training
SOCIAL RADAR
Mastering personal boundaries, reading body language, and protecting our social connections.
6th Grade Social Self-Awareness Start Training
What is "Social Radar"?
MISSION DEBIEF 01
Your Social Radar is your brain's superpower to observe, decode, and respect how people around you are feeling in real time.
Just like a real radar scans for planes, your social radar scans the room for physical and verbal clues.
Three Scans Needed:
1
Physical Bubbles
How close are you standing?
2
Body Cues
Are they tense, pulling back, or smiling?
3
Verbal Consent
Did they explicitly say "Yes" to touch?
Always scan before you move into someone else's space!
My Boundary Circles
MISSION DEBIEF 02
Level 1: Arm's Length
Close Friends
People you know very well. Space is still respected, but high-fives and voluntary contact are common.
Respect is still required!
Level 2: 2-3 Arms' Length
Classmates
People you work with in groups or see in the hall. Give them generous space. Stick to verbal greetings and waves!
Keep your bubbles clear.
Level 3: Out of Reach
Teachers & Staff
School staff, presenters, and visitors. Keep a respectful desk distance. Absolutely zero unexpected touch.
Safe professional distance.
Different relationships require different size boundary bubbles!
Reading Body Language
MISSION DEBIEF 03
Green Light: Open Space
- Leaning toward you eagerly
- Smiling and looking at your eyes
- Arms loose and at their sides
- Happy, enthusiastic tone of voice
Red Alert: Back Up!
- Stepping back or leaning away
- Crossing arms tightly over their chest
- Frowning, sighing, or teeth clenched
- Avoiding eye contact or looking at screen
If you see even ONE Red Alert cue, you must immediately step back and give space.
Verbal Boundary Checks
MISSION DEBIEF 04
How to Ask for Permission
Physical touch is always an invitation, never a surprise. Always ask first, even with close friends!
My Radar Blueprint Worksheet
Active Training Guide
My Radar Blueprint
Name:
Date:
Objective: Map your personal boundary levels, identify key social radar signals, and craft touch-free habits to show your peers you care about their comfort.
1. Mapping My Bubbles
Level 3: Out of Reach Level 2: 2 Arms' Length Level 1
Level 1: Close (Friends / Family)
List 2 people you ask before giving a hug:
Level 2: School (Classmates / Peers)
List 2 peers you work with in class:
Level 3: Professional (Teachers / Staff)
List 2 teachers or staff members you respect:
2. Body Language Decoder
Write down two key body language signals that indicate a friend is feeling comfortable or needs more space.
Green Light Signals
Red Alert Signals
3. My Contact-Free Action Plan
Write down three stylish, touch-free ways to greet classmates and express excitement or support.
ALTERNATIVE A
ALTERNATIVE B
ALTERNATIVE C
4. The Boundary Script Challenge
Scenario: You see your classmate looking upset. Write down what you would ask to do a verbal check, and what you would say if they decline.
My Verbal Permission Check Script:
My Respectful Response Script (If they say "No"):
Keep your Social Radar active! Completed training guides can be collected or kept in your folder.