Social Spidey Senses Lesson Plan Social Spidey Senses
Tier 1 Social Skills Lesson • Grade 6-7
Lesson Plan
Duration: 30 Minutes
Objective
When given real-life or contrived social behaviors, students will identify the behavior as expected or unexpected, analyze its impact on others' perspectives (thoughts and feelings), and propose appropriate replacement behaviors or strategies for unexpected actions, aiming for 80% accuracy.
Why This Matters
Understanding how our actions affect others is essential for positive social interactions and building strong relationships. This lesson helps students develop empathy and navigate social situations more effectively, leading to greater success in school and life.
Preparation
Review Slide Deck and Teacher Script.
Print Scenario Sort Activity (strips or handout).
Print Worksheet for each student.
Prepare exit ticket slips for Cool Down.
Whiteboard/Projector ready.
Instructional Sequence
5
min
Introduction & Warm-Up: What's the Vibe?
Display Slide 1 and read the prompt about the cafeteria scenario. Facilitate a brief discussion about initial observations and feelings, connecting them to 'expected' behaviors.
"Today, we're going to sharpen our 'Social Spidey Senses' to understand how our behaviors impact others!"
7
min
Understanding Expected vs. Unexpected
Present Slides 3-5. Define concepts clearly: 'expected' fits the situation; 'unexpected' doesn't. Emphasize that 'unexpected' doesn't always mean 'bad'.
Perspective Taking: Inferring thoughts and feelings.Clues: Body language, tone, and context.
4
min
Behavior Blitz! Game
Display Slide 6. Read scenarios rapidly. Class decides "Expected" or "Unexpected". If unexpected, shout out a quick replacement.
Tip: Keep the pace high and energy up!
8
min
Scenario Sort Activity
Groups of 2-3 read 4 scenarios. Analyze thoughts/feelings and brainstorm replacement strategies for unexpected behaviors.
Materials: Scenario Sort Handout
6
min
Wrap-Up & Cool Down
Share one group's findings. Distribute individual worksheet for homework. End with Slide 8 reflection exit ticket.
Materials: Practice Worksheet & Exit Tickets
Social Spidey Senses Slide Deck Warm-Up
What's the Vibe?
"Look at the image or scenario provided by your teacher."
What's the 'vibe' of the situation?
How do you think the people involved are feeling ?
What clues make you say that?
Sharpen Your Social Spidey Senses!
Identify expected vs. unexpected behaviors.
Understand how behaviors impact thoughts and feelings .
Discover awesome replacement behaviors for tricky situations!
Expected vs. Unexpected
Expected
• Actions that fit the situation .
• Make others feel comfortable and understood.
• Help things run smoothly .
Unexpected
• Actions that don't fit the situation .
• Might make others feel confused or frustrated .
• Can make social interactions a little bumpy .
Why Does it Matter?
Our behaviors send messages to the world!
Expected behaviors lead to positive connections and trust.
Unexpected behaviors can create misunderstandings and distance.
Perspective Taking: Thoughts & Feelings
Your "Social Spidey Senses" help you deduce:
?
What might others be thinking?
?
How might others be feeling?
The Detective Kit:
Body Language
Tone of Voice
The Situation (Context)
Game Time!
BEHAVIOR BLITZ
Listen to the scenario!
1. Expected or Unexpected?
2. What's the replacement?
Scenario Sort
Group Activity
1
Decide
Expected or Unexpected?
2
Brainstorm
How do others think & feel?
3
Strategy
Create a replacement behavior!
One Big Takeaway
"What's one important thing you realized today about social behaviors?"
Write it down
Social Spidey Senses Teacher Script Teacher Script
Social Spidey Senses
Instructional Guide
Slide 1-2
Introduction & Warm-Up (5 min)
"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Let's start by activating our 'Social Spidey Senses' right away. Take a look at the image or scenario on the screen."
"What's the 'vibe' of the situation you see? How do you think the people involved are feeling? What clues in the image or scenario make you say that? Don't be shy, raise a hand and share what your 'Spidey Senses' are telling you."
[Allow 2-3 students to share. Validate observations.]
"Great observations! It's amazing how much we can figure out just by paying attention. Today, we're going to sharpen these 'Social Spidey Senses' even more. Our goal is to become experts at spotting expected and unexpected behaviors, understanding how they impact others' thoughts and feelings, and discovering awesome replacement behaviors for tricky situations."
Slide 3-5
Expected vs. Unexpected (7 min)
"So, what exactly do we mean by 'expected' and 'unexpected' behaviors? An expected behavior fits the situation. It helps everyone feel comfortable. Think about raising your hand—that helps things run smoothly."
"On the flip side, an unexpected behavior doesn't quite fit. It might surprise or frustrate people. But remember: 'unexpected' doesn't always mean 'bad.' It just means it's not what people anticipated in that context—like wearing a swimsuit to a formal dinner."
"Our behaviors send messages. If we use expected behaviors, we build trust. If they're unexpected, people might misinterpret our intentions. This is where Perspective Taking comes in—using body language, tone, and context to deduce what others are thinking and feeling."
Slide 6
Behavior Blitz! Game (4 min)
"Alright, let's play 'Behavior Blitz!' I'll read a scenario, and you quickly decide: **Expected** or **Unexpected**? If it's unexpected, shout out a quick replacement strategy. Think fast!"
[Refer to Behavior Blitz! Game material for scenarios.]
Slide 7
Scenario Sort Activity (8 min)
"Time to put your senses to the test! In your groups, you'll analyze social scenarios. For each one: 1. Decide if it's Expected or Unexpected. 2. Put on your perspective-taking hats—what are others thinking and feeling? 3. Brainstorm a replacement behavior if needed."
[Circulate and prompt: "Why do you think that's unexpected? How might that feel?"]
Slide 8
Cool Down (3 min)
"Before you go, write down **one important thing** you realized today on your exit ticket. Hand it to me as you leave. How can you use your Social Spidey Senses this week?"
Social Spidey Senses Warm Up Warm Up: What's the Vibe?
Social Spidey Senses • Activity 1
Name
Date
The Situation
"You walk into the school cafeteria, and a group of students at a table are all looking down at their phones, not talking to each other, even though they are sitting together."
1 What's the overall "vibe" or atmosphere of this situation?
2 How do you think the students at the table (and others observing them) might be feeling?
3 What makes you say that? What clues are you using to make your judgment?
Your Social Spidey Senses help you "read the room" before you even say a word. Pay attention to body language, volume, and energy!
Scenario Sort Activity Scenario Sort Activity
Social Spidey Senses Group Work
Group Names:
Instructions: In your small group, read each scenario. Discuss whether the behavior is Expected or Unexpected . Put on your perspective-taking hats to imagine what others are thinking and feeling, then brainstorm a replacement behavior for any unexpected actions.
Scenario 1: The Interrupting Storyteller
Expected
Unexpected
"During a class discussion, Alex keeps interrupting others to share their own exciting stories, even when someone else is still talking. Alex's stories are interesting, but no one else is getting a chance to speak."
Others might THINK...
Others might FEEL...
Replacement Behavior / Strategy
Scenario 2: The Silent Group Member
Expected
Unexpected
"In a group project, Taylor sits quietly, doesn't offer ideas, and only nods. When the teacher checks in, Taylor says, 'I'm fine,' but doesn't contribute further, leaving others to do the work."
Others might THINK...
Others might FEEL...
Replacement Behavior / Strategy
Scenario 3: The Inside Joke Master
Expected
Unexpected
"A new student, Sam, tries to join a lunch conversation. The friends keep making jokes to past events only they understand, laughing loudly and not explaining anything. Sam feels left out."
Sam might THINK...
Sam might FEEL...
Replacement Behavior / Strategy
Scenario 4: The Honest Critic
Expected
Unexpected
"Jamie's friend, Maya, excitedly shows Jamie a drawing she's really proud of. Jamie says, 'It's okay, but your lines are wobbly and colors don't match. Mine would be better.'"
Maya might THINK...
Maya might FEEL...
Replacement Behavior / Strategy
Social Spidey Senses Worksheet Practice Scenarios
Social Spidey Senses
Name
Date
Instructions: Read each scenario carefully. Use your "Social Spidey Senses" to analyze the situation and answer the questions below. Think about how behaviors impact the people around you.
Scenario A: The Loud Whisperer
"During a quiet study hall, Leo needs to ask Sarah a question about homework. Instead of walking over to her or raising his hand, he loudly whispers across the room, causing several other students to look up and lose concentration."
1. Is this behavior Expected or Unexpected in a study hall?
Expected
Unexpected
2a. Others might THINK...
2b. Others might FEEL...
3. Replacement Behavior or Strategy (What could Leo do instead?)
Scenario B: The Compliment Catcher
"Maria just finished presenting her project. Her classmate, Ben, comes up to her afterward and says, 'Your presentation was really engaging! I especially liked how you used those visuals.' Maria smiles and thanks Ben."
1. Is this behavior Expected or Unexpected?
Expected
Unexpected
2a. Maria might THINK...
2b. Maria might FEEL...
3. Is a replacement needed? If so, what?
Scenario C: The Pushy Line-Jumper
"At the water fountain, there's a short line of three students. Jake walks straight to the front of the line, pushes past the first student, and starts to get a drink, ignoring the others waiting patiently."
1. Is this behavior Expected or Unexpected?
Expected
Unexpected
2a. Others might THINK...
2b. Others might FEEL...
3. Replacement Behavior or Strategy
Behavior Blitz Scenarios Behavior Blitz! Game
Rapid Response Social Senses
Class Activity
Instructions
"I'll read a scenario. As a class, quickly decide if the behavior is Expected or Unexpected . If it's unexpected, shout out a quick replacement behavior!"
Scenario 1
"Your friend is telling a long story about their weekend, and you suddenly remember a hilarious joke. You blurt out the joke in the middle of their story, making everyone laugh, but your friend looks a little annoyed."
Analysis
Unexpected
Example Replacement
Wait for a natural pause or until the story is finished.
Scenario 2
"During library time, you see a classmate struggling to reach a book on a high shelf. You quietly walk over, ask if they need help, and carefully get the book for them."
Analysis
Expected
Example Replacement
No replacement needed—this is a "Super Spidey" move!
Scenario 3
"Your teacher asks a question to the whole class. You know the answer, so you immediately yell it out without raising your hand, preventing others from having a chance to respond."
Analysis
Unexpected
Example Replacement
Raise your hand and wait to be called on.
Keep the game moving fast to simulate real-life social split-second decisions!
Social Spidey Senses Worksheet Answer Key Answer Key
Social Spidey Senses Worksheet
Teacher Resource
Note to Educator:
Social situations are nuanced. While "Expected" vs. "Unexpected" is usually clear, thoughts and feelings can vary. Validate any student response that shows logical perspective-taking and empathy.
Scenario A: The Loud Whisperer
1. Is this behavior Expected or Unexpected?
Unexpected
2a. Others might THINK...
"Why is he being so loud? I can't concentrate on my work. He's being disrespectful of the quiet space."
2b. Others might FEEL...
Annoyed, frustrated, distracted, or interrupted.
3. Replacement Behavior or Strategy
Leo could walk quietly over to Sarah's desk, write a note, or raise his hand and ask the teacher for permission to speak to her briefly.
Scenario B: The Compliment Catcher
1. Is this behavior Expected or Unexpected?
Expected
2a. Maria might THINK...
"That was so nice of Ben to notice my hard work. I'm glad people liked the visuals!"
2b. Maria might FEEL...
Proud, happy, appreciated, validated, and encouraged.
3. Is a replacement needed?
No replacement needed. This is a positive, expected behavior that builds connections.
Scenario C: The Pushy Line-Jumper
1. Is this behavior Expected or Unexpected?
Unexpected
2a. Others might THINK...
"That's so rude! We were here first. He thinks his time is more important than ours."
2b. Others might FEEL...
Angry, disrespected, ignored, or frustrated.
3. Replacement Behavior or Strategy
Jake should walk to the end of the line and wait his turn. If he's in a massive hurry, he could politely ask, "Do you mind if I go quickly? I'm running late," but must accept the answer if it's no.
Social Spidey Senses Cool Down One Big Takeaway
Exit Ticket
Reflect on expected/unexpected behaviors and your "Social Spidey Senses".
What is one important thing you learned today?
Bonus Challenge: How can you apply this?
Name: ______________________
One Big Takeaway
Exit Ticket
Reflect on expected/unexpected behaviors and your "Social Spidey Senses".
What is one important thing you learned today?
Bonus Challenge: How can you apply this?
Name: ______________________
One Big Takeaway
Exit Ticket
Reflect on expected/unexpected behaviors and your "Social Spidey Senses".
What is one important thing you learned today?
Bonus Challenge: How can you apply this?
Name: ______________________
One Big Takeaway
Exit Ticket
Reflect on expected/unexpected behaviors and your "Social Spidey Senses".
What is one important thing you learned today?
Bonus Challenge: How can you apply this?
Name: ______________________
