Drama Busters: Action Cards

Role-Play Training Scenarios

How to Play

1. Assign Roles: Each card has 3 roles. Choose who will be the friends in conflict and who will be the mediator.

2. Act It Out: Use the scene description to start the drama. Then, try to "bust" it!

3. Use the Tools: Refer to your Strategy Chart. Try active listening and empathy to find a solution.

4. Swap: Change roles and try a different strategy. Can you resolve it faster?

Scenario 01

The Forgotten Invitation

Alex and Jordan were planning a party. Jordan forgot to add Alex's best friend to the list. Now Alex is upset and Jordan is feeling defensive.

ROLE A

Alex: Express how hurt you feel because your friend was left out.

ROLE B

Jordan: Explain that it was a mistake, but you feel pressured and annoyed.

ROLE C

Mediator: Help them listen to each other without interrupting.

Prompt Questions

What could Alex say to express feelings without blaming?
How can Jordan show they understand Alex's hurt?

Scenario 02

The Group Chat Whisper

Sam saw a post in a group chat where Riley made a joke about Sam's new haircut. Other friends liked the post, and Sam feels embarrassed.

ROLE A

Sam: Tell Riley how you felt when you saw the post in front of everyone.

ROLE B

Riley: You thought it was "just a joke" and didn't mean to be mean.

ROLE C

Mediator: Discuss the difference between a joke and being unkind.

Prompt Questions

How can Riley take responsibility for the "joke"?
What does an "I" statement look like in this situation?

Scenario 03

The Recess Swap

Casey and Taylor always play tag at recess. Today, Taylor suddenly left Casey to play basketball with a new group of students without saying anything.

ROLE A

Casey: You feel ditched and lonely. You're upset Taylor didn't invite you.

ROLE B

Taylor: You just wanted to try something new and didn't think it was a big deal.

ROLE C

Mediator: Help them find a way to balance new friends and old ones.

Prompt Questions

How can Casey share feelings without sounding angry?
What could Taylor do next time they want to switch activities?

Scenario 04

The Project Pout

Morgan and Quinn worked together on a poster. Morgan did all the drawing, but Quinn did the presentation and got all the praise from the teacher.

ROLE A

Morgan: You feel your hard work wasn't noticed. You want credit for the art.

ROLE B

Quinn: You're proud of the presentation and don't see why Morgan is upset.

ROLE C

Mediator: Help them recognize each other's contributions fairly.

Prompt Questions

How can Quinn show empathy for Morgan's hard work?
What's a fair way to share the credit for a group project?

Drama Busters Action Cards • 5th Grade SEL • Page 1