Social Survival Teacher Guide Social Survival
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Target Audience
6th Grade Class
Duration
50 Minutes
Why This Matters
This lesson empowers students by providing practical tools to manage social awkwardness and build rapport—skills essential for their personal well-being and academic growth. By normalizing social anxiety, we help students navigate middle school with confidence.
Learning Objective
Equip students with practical strategies to overcome social anxiety and navigate social situations confidently through interactive activities and role plays.
Materials Needed
Strategies for Social Success Slide Deck
Social Skills Workshop Activity Sheets
Social Scenarios Bingo Cards & Tokens
Timer/Stopwatch
Preparation (10 mins)
Review the lesson objectives and familiarize yourself with the Social Survival Guide strategies.
Prep 5-6 role play scenarios (see back page for ideas) on small cards for groups.
Print and cut Bingo cards for students/groups and prepare the caller's scenario list.
Approach: Interactive activities, role plays, and group discussions
Page 1 of 2
Instructional Sequence
10m
Introduction & Discussion
Begin by introducing the lesson and discussing why effective social interaction is a "survival skill" for middle school. Use the Strategies for Social Success slide deck to guide the conversation.
Discussion Prompts:
"What does social anxiety feel like in your body?"
"When was a time you felt awkward but pushed through it?"
20m
Role Play Activity
Divide students into small groups (3-4). Assign each group a scenario depicting social awkwardness. Have them use the Social Skills Workshop sheet to guide their practice.
Facilitation Tip:
Walk around and observe. If a group gets stuck, remind them of the "ASK" strategy: Ask a question, Share a detail, Keep eye contact.
20m
Bingo & Reflection
Transition into Social Scenarios Bingo . Read scenarios aloud. For a student to mark their square, they must briefly describe which strategy they would use.
Wrap-up: Ask: "Which strategy are you going to try out in the hallway today?"
Scenario Ideas for Preparation
The Lunch Table You see a group talking about a movie you like, but there's no open seat. How do you join in?
The Wrong Name Someone calls you by the wrong name in the hallway. How do you correct them without it being weird?
The Quiet Partner You're paired for a project with someone who isn't talking. How do you break the ice?
The Dropped Tray Someone near you drops their tray in the cafeteria. Everyone is looking. What do you do?
Page 2 of 2
Social Success Slides Social Survival Skills
Strategies for
Social Success
How to handle social situations, overcome anxiety, and build strong relationships with confidence.
Intro: Set the objective—learning strategies for confidence.
Slide 1 / 5
Understanding Social Anxiety
What is it?
That "butterfly" feeling or nervousness when talking to new people or in big groups.
Why do we feel it?
Our brain is trying to protect us! It wants us to be liked and accepted by others.
How does it affect us?
It might make us want to stay quiet, avoid eye contact, or skip social events.
Class Discussion
"What is one thing that makes you feel a little nervous socially?"
Discuss definitions and normalize the feeling of being nervous.
Slide 2 / 5
Key Strategies for
Building Rapport
Smile & Eye Contact
Shows you are friendly and approachable.
Active Listening
Nod and respond to what others are saying.
Ask Questions
"What do you think...?" or "How was your day?"
Share Something
Give a small detail about your day or interests.
Briefly explain each and prompt student examples.
Slide 3 / 5
Social Workshop: Role Plays
01
Form small groups of 3-4
02
Choose or receive your scenario
03
Apply the strategies we discussed
04
Share experiences and feedback
"Practice makes these strategies feel natural!"
Explain why role plays help before starting the activity.
Slide 4 / 5
Recap & Next Steps
Remember the key strategies
Keep practicing role plays
Up next: Social Scenarios Bingo!
Let's Play!
Summarize and transition to the game.
Slide 5 / 5
Social Skills Workshop Activity Social Skills Workshop
Practice Lab: Experimenting with Interaction
Name
Date
The Mission
Every conversation is a chance to practice, learn, and grow. Today, you'll work in groups to test out the social strategies we've learned. Remember: it's a lab—it's okay to experiment and make mistakes!
1 Mission Setup
Team Members
Your Scenario
Briefly describe the scenario your group chose or was assigned:
2 Lab Observations
To be completed by the Observer(s) during/after the role play
What strategies worked well?
What could be improved next time?
3 Individual Reflection
What was the most challenging part of the role play for you?
Which strategy did you find most helpful in overcoming social awkwardness?
How can you use what you learned today in your everyday school life?
"Social skills are like muscles—they get stronger with every rep!"
Social Scenarios Bingo Game Social Scenarios Bingo
Practice your strategies in a race to BINGO!
Game Type
Classroom Interactive
1. Listen
The teacher will read a social scenario. If it's on your card, get ready to mark it!
2. Explain
Before marking a square, you must explain one strategy you would use in that situation.
3. Win
The first person to get 3 in a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) yells "BINGO!"
Card #A-01 Player: _________
Starting a conversation with a new student
Joining a group at the lunch table
Correcting someone who got your name wrong
Asking for help with a project
FREE: SMILE
Making small talk in line
Saying "Hello" to a teacher in the hall
Asking a clarifying question
Helping someone who dropped their tray
Card #B-02 Player: _________
Overcoming shyness in group talk
Handling a silent moment effectively
Inviting someone to join a game
Borrowing a pencil from a classmate
FREE: LISTEN
Partnering with a quiet student
Responding to a compliment
Joining a recess activity
Introducing yourself to a substitute
Card #C-03 Player: _________
Saying "Hello" to a teacher in the hall
Joining a group at the lunch table
Making small talk in line
Handling a silent moment effectively
FREE: CONTACT
Helping someone who dropped their tray
Starting a conversation with a new student
Asking for help with a project
Responding to a compliment
Card #D-04 Player: _________
Borrowing a pencil from a classmate
Partnering with a quiet student
Introducing yourself to a substitute
Inviting someone to join a game
FREE: ENERGY
Overcoming shyness in group talk
Correcting someone who got your name wrong
Joining a recess activity
Asking a clarifying question
Cut along dotted lines for individual cards Social Survival Skills Bingo • Grade 6
Teacher Caller Sheet
Cut these strips out or check them off as you read them randomly to the class.
1
New Kid Convo
"You see a new student standing alone at recess. You want to go over and say hello."
