Quest Facilitation GuideSocial Skills Quest Facilitation Guide Duration 20m Objective Students will identify and practice appropriate social responses to common interpersonal scenarios to build empathy and communication skills. Audience Middle School Special Education (Tier 1 Support) Approach Game-Based Learning, Active Collaborative Reflection, and Restorative Practices. Materials Quest Challenge Cards Compass Discussion Guide Hero Readiness Quiz Level Up Exit Ticket Quest Instructions 1 Introduction (3 mins) Greet the "Heroes" and explain that today we are embarking on a Social Skills Quest. Emphasize that strong social skills are like power-ups for building friendships and working effectively in teams. 2 Activity: Scenario Cards (8 mins) Divide students into small groups. Provide each group with a set of Quest Challenge Cards. Students take turns drawing a card, reading the scenario, and discussing the most "heroic" (appropriate) way to respond. 3 The Round Table Discussion (4 mins) Regroup and use the Compass Discussion Guide to highlight key skills like empathy and active listening. Share standout solutions from the group work. 4 Readiness Quiz & Level Up (5 mins) Distribute the Hero Readiness Quiz. Once finished, provide the Level Up Exit Ticket for personal reflection on one skill to practice today.
Social Scenario CardsQuest Challenge Cards Cut along the dotted lines. Use these scenarios for group discussion. Challenge #1 You see a new student sitting alone at lunch. What do you do? SOCIAL SKILL: INCLUSION Challenge #2 You accidentally bump into someone and they drop their books. What do you say? SOCIAL SKILL: APOLOGY Challenge #3 Your friend is feeling sad and won't talk. How can you help? SOCIAL SKILL: EMPATHY Challenge #4 You notice a classmate struggling with their homework. What should you do? SOCIAL SKILL: SUPPORT Challenge #5 A student in your group is not participating in the project. How do you encourage them? SOCIAL SKILL: COOPERATION
Compass Discussion GuideCompass Discussion Guide Teacher Facilitation Resource 1 Why is it important to approach someone who is sitting alone? Goal: Highlight the importance of inclusivity and making others feel welcome. Discuss the impact of "belonging" on a student's day. 2 What are the benefits of saying sorry when you make a mistake? Goal: Discuss how apologies can mend relationships and show responsibility. Explain that mistakes are human, but accountability builds trust. 3 How can listening to a friend who is sad make a difference? Goal: Emphasize empathy and the value of being a supportive friend. Note that "listening" is often more powerful than "giving advice." 4 Why should we help classmates who are struggling? Goal: Talk about cooperation and mutual support in a learning environment. When one person succeeds, the whole class feels stronger. 5 How can we encourage someone who is not participating? Goal: Focus on positive reinforcement and inclusivity in group activities. Discuss asking questions like "What do you think?" to invite them in.
Hero Readiness QuizHero Readiness Quiz Social Skills Quest • Final Check Name: Date: Choose the best heroic action for each social situation. 1. What should you do if you see a new student alone at lunch? Ignore them Join them Tell a teacher Avoid them 2. What is a good response if you bump into someone? Walk away Laugh Apologize Blame them 3. How can you help a sad friend? Ignore them Listen to them Make fun of them Leave them alone 4. What should you do if a classmate is struggling with homework? Offer help Ignore them Tease them Tell them to stop 5. How can you get a group member to participate? Exclude them Criticize them Encourage them Ignore them
Level Up Exit TicketLevel Up Exit Ticket Mission Reflection Name: Date: What is one social skill you learned today that you will practice in your daily interactions? Think about how you can use it at school, at home, or with friends. Social Skill Hero Status: Active
Hero Readiness Answer KeyHero Readiness Quiz Answer Key 1. New student alone at lunch? Join them Skills: Inclusivity, Social Initiative 2. Bump into someone? Apologize Skills: Responsibility, Accountability 3. How can you help a sad friend? Listen to them Skills: Empathy, Active Listening 4. Classmate struggling with homework? Offer help Skills: Cooperation, Support 5. Get a group member to participate? Encourage them Skills: Positive Reinforcement, Leadership Facilitation Tip While these are the "correct" answers, encourage students who chose different options to explain their reasoning. Sometimes "tell a teacher" or "leave them alone" might be appropriate in specific contexts, making for a great extended discussion.
