Smart Moves Scenario Cards
Life Skills Group Concrete Social Practice
Smart Moves Scenario Cards
Cut Out & Practice
Page 1 of 3 • Cards 1–4
#01
School Safety
The Elevator Button
You walk in the hallway. Your friend smiles and says, “Push the elevator button!” You do not have an elevator pass.
Smart Move (What to Do):
Keep your hands down. Keep your feet walking to class.
What to Say (Practice Aloud):
“No thanks, I have to get to class.”
Rule: Elevators are only for students with doctor passes.
#02
Hallway Pass
Walking with a Pass
You have a pass to take a book to the library. A friend calls your name from their locker: “Come look at my phone!”
Smart Move (What to Do):
Wave politely. Do not stop walking. Complete your library job.
What to Say (Practice Aloud):
“I have a pass right now. I'll see you at lunch!”
Rule: Go straight to your location without stopping to play.
#03
Bus Line Safety
Waiting for the Bus
You are waiting at dismissal. School buses are moving. Other students run and bump backpacks close to the curb.
Smart Move (What to Do):
Take two steps back from the yellow line. Keep a safe body space.
What to Say (Practice Aloud):
“Please watch out. The buses are moving.”
Rule: Stay behind the yellow curb line so drivers see you.
#04
Asking for Help
Lost in the Hallway
Today is a special assembly schedule. The bell rings. You are not sure which room to go to next, and you feel confused.
Smart Move (What to Do):
Stop walking. Stand to the side of the hall. Look for a teacher.
What to Say (Practice Aloud):
“Excuse me, can you help me find room 204?”
Rule: If you feel lost, stop and ask an adult right away.
Group Activity Tip: Read the script out loud 2 times together before practicing with a partner. Smart Moves • Life Skills
Life Skills Group Concrete Social Practice
Smart Moves Scenario Cards
Cut Out & Practice
Page 2 of 3 • Cards 5–8
#05
Cafeteria Spills
Spilled Food on the Floor
You carry your cafeteria lunch tray. Your shoe bumps a chair. Your milk spills on the floor. You feel embarrassed.
Smart Move (What to Do):
Stand near the wet floor so students don't slip. Wave to an adult.
What to Say (Practice Aloud):
“I had an accident and spilled milk. Can you help me clean it?”
Rule: Accidents happen to everyone. Tell an adult right away.
#06
Lab Tools
Glass Science Tools
In science lab, your partner picks up a glass tube and swings it like a wand near glass beakers.
Smart Move (What to Do):
Take one step back. Keep your hands on your desk. Use a calm voice.
What to Say (Practice Aloud):
“Please put that down on the mat. Glass can break.”
Rule: Glass tools stay flat on the mat so nobody gets hurt.
#07
Big Feelings
Mad Feelings at My Desk
You worked hard on your poster. A group member marks over your letters with dark marker. You feel very mad.
Smart Move (What to Do):
Keep hands down. Push your chair back. Take 3 slow, deep breaths.
What to Say (Practice Aloud):
“Stop, I don't like that. That was my work.”
Rule: Breathe first. If you stay mad, tell your teacher calmly.
#08
Problem Solving
The Stuck Locker Door
You try your combination two times, but the locker door is stuck. The bell is going to ring in 30 seconds.
Smart Move (What to Do):
Do not kick or hit the locker door. Walk straight to your classroom.
What to Say (Practice Aloud):
“My locker jammed. May I have a pass after attendance?”
Rule: It is better to be on time without books than to kick a locker.
Group Activity Tip: Pair students up to practice body language (standing calm, gentle voice). Smart Moves • Life Skills
Life Skills Group Concrete Social Practice
Smart Moves Scenario Cards
Cut Out & Practice
Page 3 of 3 • Cards 9–12
#09
After School
Waiting for a Late Ride
School is over. Your ride is late. Two older students say, “Come walk to the corner store with us!”
Smart Move (What to Do):
Shake your head no. Stay inside or near the main school doors.
What to Say (Practice Aloud):
“No thanks. I have to wait here for my ride.”
Rule: Never leave school grounds without your parent's permission.
#10
Computer Work
Laptop Game Link
You are typing questions on your Chromebook. A student shares a video game link with you.
Smart Move (What to Do):
Click the 'X' to close the game tab. Keep working on question 1.
What to Say (Practice Aloud):
“I need to finish my schoolwork first.”
Rule: School Chromebooks are for assignments during class time.
TOOL #1
Pocket Guide
4 Steps When Unsure
Follow these 4 physical steps when you feel stuck:
1
STOP
Freeze your hands and stop your feet.
2
BREATHE
Take 1 slow breath in through your nose.
3
THINK SAFE
Ask yourself: “Is this safe? Is this my job?”
4
USE WORDS
Say your script or find a teacher to help.
Keep this card in your pocket or binder!
TOOL #2
Sentence Bank
Quick Social Scripts
Exact phrases you can use every day:
Saying No Safely:
“No thanks, I have to follow the rules.”
Asking for Help:
“Excuse me, I need help with my schedule.”
Asking for Personal Space:
“Please give me some personal space.”
Needing a Calm Break:
“I feel upset. May I take a 2-minute break?”
Practice with a teacher or peer buddy!
Group Activity Tip: Laminate cards for repeated small group, speech, and OT social skills practice. Smart Moves • Life Skills
