Dave Connection Teacher Guide Dave Connection Teacher Guide
Understanding Autism & Communication for 1st Grade
20
Minutes
Learning Objective
Students will recognize that everyone communicates differently and practice empathy by identifying ways to be a supportive friend to peers with autism.
Approach
Active Learning, Restorative Practices, and Game-Based Exploration.
Materials Checklist
Meet Dave Slides (Videos included)
Lily & the Lost Kitten Storybook
Communication Exit Ticket (1 per student)
Communication Game Access
Instructional Steps
1m
Introduction
"Today we're talking about how our brains work in wonderful, different ways!"
Introduce the concept of neurodiversity simply: "Brains are like snowflakes; no two are exactly the same!"
Explain that Dave is a boy whose brain works in an autistic way.
2m
Meet Dave Animation
Play the animation. Ask students to look for:
How does Dave show he is happy or overwhelmed?
What can friends do to make him feel comfortable?
1m
Communication Game
Quick interactive game to practice cues. Emphasize that communication isn't just speaking—it's eyes, hands, and hearts too!
5m
Understanding Emotions
Watch the "Big Feelings" video. Discuss: "How can we tell if a friend is feeling a big emotion even if they don't use words?"
5m
Lily and the Lost Kitten
Read the story. Use the prompts: "How does Lily show she cares?" and "What would you do to help?"
1m
Reflect & Review
Hand out the Exit Tickets. Encourage drawing if students find writing difficult.
Communication Reflection Exit Ticket Communication Reflection
How we connect with others
NAME:
DATE:
1
What is one thing you learned about communicating with others?
It's important to listen
Everyone communicates the same way
Communication isn't important
2
How can you use what you learned today in your daily life?
By being kind and patient
By ignoring others
By only talking to friends
Bonus: Draw a picture of you being a good friend! Lily and the Lost Kitten Story Sheet Lily and the Lost Kitten
A Story About Empathy and Kindness
One sunny afternoon, Lily was playing in her backyard when she heard a tiny sound. "Mew... mew..."
She looked behind the big oak tree and found a very small, very orange kitten. The kitten was shivering, even though it was a warm day. Its eyes were wide and it was tucked into a tight ball.
🐱
Lily wanted to scoop the kitten up and give it a giant hug, but she stopped. She saw how the kitten's ears were pinned back. She remembered that when she feels scared, she doesn't like loud noises or being grabbed.
Lily thought to herself:
"If I were a tiny kitten lost in a big yard, I would feel very frightened. I would want someone to be very quiet and very patient."
👧
Lily sat down on the grass, a few feet away. She didn't say a word. She just sat quietly and waited. After a long time, the kitten began to uncurl. It sniffed the air. Slowly, it took one step toward Lily. Then another.
Lily smiled softly. She knew the kitten was starting to feel safe because she had listened to its "quiet signals."
Let's Talk About It
1. How did the kitten feel at the start of the story?
2. How did Lily show empathy (understanding the kitten's feelings)?
3. How can we use "quiet signals" to help a friend who is feeling overwhelmed?
Meet Dave Presentation Slides Meeting Dave
Learning how we all connect in our own way!
Our Amazing Brains
Brains are like snowflakes!
No two brains work exactly the same way. That's what makes us special!
Let's Meet Dave
Watch & Wonder
Animation About Autism
Click the link below to play the video
PLAY VIDEO
How does Dave feel?
How do his friends help?
More Than Just Words
EYES
Where are they looking?
HANDS
Are they waving or hiding?
HEARTS
How are they feeling inside?
Big Feelings
Watch & Wonder
Understanding Emotions
Sometimes our feelings are so big they come out in different ways!
Teacher: Play selected emotions video here.
Being a Supportive Friend
Be patient and kind.
Listen with your whole body .
Everyone is different and that's okay!
You've Got This!
Communication Reflection Answer Key Answer Key
Communication Reflection Exit Ticket
Teacher Reference
1
What is one thing you learned about communicating with others?
It's important to listen Correct
Everyone communicates the same way
Communication isn't important
2
How can you use what you learned today in your daily life?
By being kind and patient Correct
By ignoring others
By only talking to friends
Teacher Evaluation Note
For the drawing section at the bottom of the student ticket, look for evidence of social awareness . A "correct" drawing shows the student interacting positively with a peer (sharing, listening, or standing near them quietly). Use this area to identify students who may need additional 1-on-1 support with empathy concepts.