Meet and Greet Slides Social Bridges • Session 1 of 5
30 Minutes
Welcome to the Crew
A comfortable place to practice real talk, connect with classmates, and learn everyday strategies for school and life.
Safe Space
No judgment, just practice
Meet Peers
Discover common interests
Low Pressure
Take it one step at a time
Step 1 • 5 Minutes
Our Group Agreements
How We Support Each Other
1
One Voice at a Time
When someone shares, we give them our attention. We wait for our turn to speak.
2
Right to Pass or Pause
If you feel overwhelmed, you can take a deep breath or say "pass for now."
3
Stay Inside the Circle
What friends say here stays here. Respecting privacy builds trust.
4
Be Encouraging
Nodding, thumbs up, and positive words show your peers you support them.
Thumbs up if you agree to follow these group norms today!
Step 2 • 10 Minutes
This or That: Quick Picks
Pick One & Explain Why
Soundtrack
Headphones On
OR
Quiet Room
Which helps you focus or relax best?
Free Time
Video Games
OR
Watching Movies
What is your favorite title to enjoy?
Lunch Treat
Pizza Slice
OR
Cheeseburger
What toppings or sides make it best?
Pro Tip: When a peer speaks, turn your shoulders toward them and give a quick nod!
Step 3 • 10 Minutes
The 2-Minute Partner Exchange
Fill Out Your Blueprint Handout
What You Ask Your Partner
• "What is one topic or hobby you love talking about?"
• "What helps you feel comfortable when you meet someone new?"
• "What is one goal you have for this group?"
How to Show You're Listening
Look at their face or near their eyes (or gentle focus)
Keep your hands relaxed in front of you
Say: "That's cool!" or "I like that too!"
Each partner gets 60 seconds to speak while the other writes one fact down! Switch at the chime!
Step 4 • 5 Minutes
Session 1 Wrap-Up
Great Job Today!
Quick Reflection Circle
Share 1 New Fact:
"One new thing I learned about a classmate today is..."
Group Comfort Rating:
Show a rating with your fingers: 1 (nervous) to 5 (feeling great!)
Next Session: Voice and Vibes (Tone of Voice & Body Language)
See you next time!
Connection Blueprint Profile Social Bridges • Session 1 Handout
Connection Blueprint Profile
High School Crew
Name:
Date:
Group Period:
1
My Snapshot (Share what you feel comfortable sharing)
Two things I really enjoy doing or talking about:
When talking in a group, I feel best when:
People give me time to think before speaking We talk about fun topics like games or music The room is calm without people shouting
2
Peer Radar • Partner Exchange
Turn to a peer in the group. Ask them 2 questions and write their answers below:
Partner 1 Name:
What is one favorite game, movie, or food they like?
Partner 2 Name (or Group Peer):
What is one thing you both have in common?
3
My Personal Goal
Check one goal you want to practice during our group sessions:
Using a calm, friendly tone of voice
Asking questions to keep a conversation going
Talking politely to teachers and adults
Taking a pause when I feel upset or angry
Group Commitment: I will respect my peers, listen when others speak, and help keep our room safe and fun.
My Signature:
Social Bridges Facilitator Guide Teacher & Clinician Resource
Social Bridges Facilitator Guide
5-Session Master Plan
Target Population: High school students with ID and autism reading at a 5th–6th grade level. Focuses on social communication, emotional regulation, and self-advocacy through predictable 30-minute group sessions.
Predictable 30-Minute Group Structure
Predictability Reduces Anxiety
Min 0–5: Connect Visual check-in, review norms, warm-up prompt
Min 5–15: Teach & Model Slide instruction, explicit adult modeling of skill
Min 15–25: Practice Partner rally, worksheet completion, supported roleplay
Min 25–30: Reflect Exit ticket check, goal stamp, preview next session
Sessions 1–3 Implementation Guide
Session 1: Meet and Greet (Low-Stakes Rapport & Norms) Icebreaker Focus
Key Objective: Establish group safety, agree on norms, and share 1 personal interest without fear of being judged.
Facilitator Prompt: "In this group, there are no wrong answers. If you feel nervous, you can pass and share when you're ready." Support students who use AAC or writing to communicate their favorites.
Session 2: Voice and Vibes (Volume, Tone & Friends vs Adults) Code-Switching
Key Objective: Distinguish between Level 1–4 volume, recognize sarcastic vs friendly tones, and practice arm's-length personal space.
Teacher Tip: Avoid tone policing neurodivergent flat affect. Frame tone as "helping others understand your true intentions" rather than forcing neurotypical enthusiasm. Practice physical distance using outstretched arms.
Session 3: Chat Champions (Conversational Ping-Pong) Turn-Taking
Key Objective: Replace one-word responses ("good", "fine") with details + questions, and use polite exit lines to leave smoothly.
Tactile Anchor: Use a real foam ball or beanbag during initial whole-group modeling. When a student speaks, they hold the ball; after 30 seconds or 2 sentences, they pass it to their partner with "What do you think?"
Neurodiversity-Affirming Facilitation Principles
Flexible Eye Contact: Looking at the floor, fidget, or hands while listening is 100% acceptable. Forced eye contact causes cognitive fatigue.
Special Interests as Fuel: Welcome hyper-fixations (gaming, trains, anime) as valid practice topics before generalizing to broader school talk.
Sensory Comfort First: Keep lighting dimmed if needed, allow quiet fidgets, and respect need for brief sensory resets.
Voice and Vibes Slides Social Bridges • Session 2 of 5
30 Minutes
Voice and Vibes
It’s not just what you say, but how you say it. Learn how tone, volume, and personal space send clear messages to peers and adults.
Volume Meter
Matching room energy
Friends vs Adults
Knowing your audience
Personal Space
The arm's-length rule
Step 1 • 6 Minutes
The Voice Volume Meter
Finding the Right Level
Level 1
Whisper Talk
Quiet voice for secrets or when working in silent libraries and test rooms.
Audience: 1 partner very close
Level 2
Table Talk
Our normal conversational voice for small groups and lunch tables.
Audience: 2 to 4 people nearby
Level 3
Classroom Voice
Answering a teacher's question or giving a presentation to the whole room.
Audience: Entire classroom
Level 4
Outdoor Shout
Sports fields, pep rallies, or emergencies. Never used in hallways!
Audience: Far away outdoors
What volume level should we use right now in our group? (Answer: Level 2!)
Step 2 • 8 Minutes
The Tone of Voice Lab
Same Words, Different Meaning
The Sentence to Test
"Thanks a lot for your help."
Warm & Friendly
Spoken with a gentle smile and calm pitch. The listener feels appreciated.
Message: "I really appreciate you!"
Sarcastic / Annoyed
Spoken with an eye roll and flat or sharp tone. The listener feels hurt or defensive.
Message: "You actually ruined it."
Rushed / Dismissive
Mumbled quickly without looking up. The listener feels ignored or like a bother.
Message: "Go away now."
Facilitator Try It: Let's practice saying this sentence with a friendly tone!
Step 3 • 10 Minutes
Friends vs. School Adults
Code-Switching
Talking With Friends
• Casual greeting: "Hey, what's up?" or fist bump
• Slang and relaxed jokes are okay
• Shared topics: music, games, trends
Example: "Yo, let me borrow your game controller!"
Talking With Adults
Social Radar Worksheet Social Bridges • Session 2 Handout
Social Radar Worksheet
Tone & Body Language
Name:
Date:
Group Period:
1
Volume Meter Match
Write the correct Volume Level number next to each high school situation:
Level 1: Whisper Quiet partner talk
Level 2: Table Talk Small group / lunch
Level 3: Classroom Answering a teacher
A. Sharing a funny video with your desk partner during quiet work time:
Level:
B. Presenting your slide to the entire biology class:
Level:
C. Chatting about weekend plans with 3 friends at the cafeteria table:
Level:
2
Upgrading Talk: Friend vs. Adult
High schoolers use casual talk with friends, but respectful talk with adults. Practice upgrading:
Casual / Rough: "Hey! Give me that hall pass right now."
Upgrade for Teacher / Staff:
"Excuse me, Mr./Ms. ________, may I please _________________________________?"
Casual / Rough: "I don't get this, it's stupid."
Upgrade for Teacher / Staff:
"I'm feeling confused by problem #___, could you please _____________________?"
3
Personal Space & Posture Check
The One-Arm Rule
When talking to classmates or teachers, how far should you stand?
Touching shoulders About one arm's length (2-3 feet) Across the entire room
Friendly Vibes Checklist
Check 2 body clues that show you are friendly:
Shoulders turned toward the person speaking Crossing arms tightly and staring at the floor Occasional eye contact or gentle head nods
Partner Practice Stamp: My partner practiced an upgraded polite request with calm tone and proper space.
Partner Initials:
Chat Champions Slides Social Bridges • Session 3 of 5
30 Minutes
Chat Champions
A great conversation is like a game of ping-pong. You hit the ball over the net, wait for your partner to return it, and keep the rally going!
Serve the Ball
Starting the chat
Keep Rally Going
Follow-up questions
Polite Exit
Ending smoothly
Step 1 • 7 Minutes
3 Ways to Serve (Start a Chat)
Easy Openers
1. Compliment
Notice Something
Say something genuine about their shoes, shirt, drawing, or bag.
"Hey, I really like your sneakers. Where did you get them?"
2. Question
Ask Their Opinion
Ask what they think about class, lunch, or a school event.
"Did you finish the history project yet? What topic did you pick?"
3. Shared Moment
Same Experience
Talk about something happening right now in the room.
"Are you ready for the pep rally on Friday? I'm excited for the band."
Notice how each opener ends with an open question, inviting them to reply!
Step 2 • 8 Minutes
Keeping the Rally Alive
Avoid Conversation Killers
The Dead End (Ball Drops)
One-word answers stop the game. The other person feels awkward.
Peer: "What did you do this weekend?"
You: "Nothing." (Awkward silence)
Result: The chat immediately ends.
The Rally Return (Keep It Going)
Share 1 detail + pass the ball back with a question.
Peer: "What did you do this weekend?"
You: "I leveled up my character in Minecraft. What did you do?"
Result: Both people get to share and feel included!
The Magic Passer Phrase: "How about you?" or "What do you think?" Easy to remember!
Step 3 • 8 Minutes
Sharing the Airtime
Don't Hog the Ball
The 45-Second Guideline
When sharing your favorite passion or game, talk for about 30 to 45 seconds, then pause.
Look at your partner: Are they nodding, or looking away at their phone/watch? If they look away, pass the turn!
Follow-Up Question Bank
Ask a question connected to what they JUST said:
• "How long have you been playing that?"
• "Who is your favorite character?"
Conversation Playbook Handout Social Bridges • Session 3 Handout
Conversation Playbook Handout
Social Ping-Pong
Name:
Date:
Group Period:
1
3-Turn Ping-Pong Rally Builder
Follow the path of a 3-turn conversational rally. Write your responses in the boxes:
TURN 1 (SERVE)
Your Peer Asks:
"Hey, what did you do after school yesterday?"
TURN 2 (RETURN)
Your Turn (Share 1 Detail + Pass the Ball Back):
I ________________________________. What did you do?
TURN 3 (RALLY)
Follow-Up Question (Ask something about what they reply):
"Did you enjoy that?" OR "How long did that take?"
2
Dead-End Makeover
Upgrade these 1-word conversation killers into rally starters:
Peer asks: "Do you like art class?" Dead-End: "Yeah."
Makeover (Add detail + question):
"Yeah, I like sketching anime. Do you like drawing?"
Peer asks: "How was your weekend?" Dead-End: "Good."
Makeover (Add detail + question):
"It was good, I went to the park. Did you go anywhere fun?"
3
Polite Exit Phrase Bank
Check two polite ways you feel comfortable using to wrap up a chat:
The Hallway Exit
"The bell's about to ring, I gotta head to class. See you later!"
The Compliment Close
"It was really cool talking to you! Catch you at lunch."
The Work Focus
"I'm going to finish this problem now. Talk to you soon!"
Partner Rally Log (30-Second Rally): Practice with a peer. Check off 3 clean back-and-forth turns:
Turn 1 Turn 2 Turn 3
Calm and Collected Slides Social Bridges • Session 4 of 5
30 Minutes
Calm and Collected
Everyone feels overwhelmed, angry, or anxious sometimes. Learning your body's early warning signs helps you cool down before reacting.
Body Signals
Noticing early tension
Size of Problem
Matching reactions
Reset Menu
Coping strategies
Step 1 • 6 Minutes
My Body Warning Radar
Listen to Your Body
Racing Brain
Thoughts spin fast, difficulty focusing, or zoning out completely.
Signal: Slow down
Fast Heartbeat
Chest thumping, shallow quick breathing, feeling warm or flushed.
Signal: Take deep breath
Clenched Fists
Hands squeezing into fists, tight jaw, hunched shoulders.
Signal: Shake it out
Tight Stomach
Butterflies, knot in belly, or feeling like shutting down.
Signal: Ask for a pause
When you feel 1 of these clues , that is your cue to use a reset tool!
Step 2 • 8 Minutes
Size of Problem vs. Reaction
Matching Your Response
Small Glitch
1 to 2 Minutes to Fix
Broken pencil lead, missing an eraser, seat is occupied, WiFi glitch.
Best Reaction: Shrug, take 1 breath, ask for a new pencil. No shouting needed!
Medium Problem
Needs Adult Help
Disagreement with a classmate, lost laptop, failing grade on a quiz.
Best Reaction: Take a 2-minute pause, then talk calmly to the teacher or staff.
Big Emergency
Immediate Danger
Fire alarm, physical injury, someone feeling unsafe or sick.
Best Reaction: Find an adult immediately and follow safety procedures.
Golden Rule: A Small Glitch shouldn't get a Big Emergency reaction!
Step 3 • 9 Minutes
My Personal Reset Menu
Tools You Can Use at School
Box Breathing (4-4-4-4)
Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, rest for 4. Lowers your heart rate fast.
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding
Name 3 things you see, 2 things you feel, 1 thing you hear. Pulls your brain back to calm.
Polite Break Request
Say: "I need 2 minutes to get a drink of water, then I'll be ready." Shows great maturity!
Calm Toolkit Organizer Social Bridges • Session 4 Handout
Calm Toolkit Organizer
Emotion Regulation
Name:
Date:
Group Period:
1
My Body Warning Signals
Check all the clues your body gives you when you start feeling frustrated, anxious, or overwhelmed:
Fast, heavy heartbeat Fists squeezing tight Face feeling hot or flushed Clenched jaw / teeth Butterflies / tight stomach Racing or cloudy thoughts
2
Size of the Problem Match
Label each event: Small Glitch (1-2 min fix), Medium Problem (needs adult help), or Big Emergency (danger):
A. You get stuck on question #4 during a math worksheet:
B. The school fire alarm goes off during 3rd period:
C. A classmate repeatedly makes fun of you at your lunch table:
3
My School Reset Menu
Select two strategies you agree to test when you feel your body signals heating up:
Box Breathing (4-4-4-4)
Inhale 4 sec, hold 4 sec, exhale 4 sec, wait 4 sec. Do 3 cycles quietly at your desk.
Best for: Quick test anxiety or racing thoughts
Cold Water / Quick Walk
Ask the teacher to step out for a water fountain sip. Cold water resets your nerve system.
Best for: Hot face, tight jaw, or angry energy
My "Take 2" Pass (Clip & Keep in Binder) Self-Advocacy Tool
Student Pass: Calm Reset Time limit: 2 to 3 minutes
"Teacher: I am noticing my body stress signals right now. I am taking 2 minutes to use my calm reset tool (breathing / water) so I can refocus on class."
Student Initials: ______
Teacher Approved: [ Yes ]
Speak Up Solutions Slides Social Bridges • Session 5 of 5
30 Minutes
Speak Up Solutions
Put all your skills together. Learn how to speak up calmly when problems happen, ask adults for help, and celebrate your group success!
"I" Statements
Speaking without blaming
Adult Advocacy
Getting help smoothly
Graduation
Celebrating our growth
Step 1 • 7 Minutes
The 3-Part "I" Statement
Formula for Problem Solving
When someone does something that upsets you, yelling "You're annoying!" starts an argument. Use this formula instead:
Part 1
"I feel..."
Name your emotion (frustrated, confused, overwhelmed).
Part 2
"When you..."
State the specific action clearly without calling names.
Part 3
"Can we please..."
Suggest a fair fix so both of you can move forward.
Full Example: "I feel frustrated when you take my colored pencils without asking . Can we please trade pencils when we need them ?"
Notice how it focuses on solving the problem, not attacking the person!
Step 2 • 8 Minutes
Talking Calmly With School Adults
Self-Advocacy
The 3 Steps to Ask
Pick a good time: Wait until the teacher is not talking to the whole class.
Use polite starter: "Excuse me, Mr./Ms. [Name], do you have a quick minute?"
State the exact question: "I'm having trouble with step 3. Could you show me once?"
If You Feel Overwhelmed
If you feel tears or anger coming:
"I want to do this work, but I'm feeling overwhelmed right now. Can I take 2 minutes at the back table to reset?"
Teachers appreciate honesty and maturity!
Self-advocacy means speaking up for what you need before a blowup occurs.
Step 3 • 8 Minutes
High School Roleplay Arena
Try It With a Partner
Scenario A (With Peer)
A classmate bumps into your desk and knocks your binder and pens onto the floor without saying sorry.
Practice: Say: "Whoa, please watch out. Could you help me pick those up?" with a calm Level 2 voice.
Scenario B (With Teacher)
Advocacy Action Planner Social Bridges • Session 5 Handout
Advocacy Action Planner
Self-Advocacy & Graduation
Name:
Date:
Group Period:
1
The "I" Statement Blueprint
When you feel frustrated or treated unfairly, use this formula to speak up calmly:
1. State Your Emotion:
"I feel _______________________________________"
(e.g., frustrated, left out, rushed, confused)
2. State What Happened (No Yelling):
"when you ___________________________________"
(e.g., talk over me, take my things without asking)
3. Propose a Calm Solution:
"Can we please __________________________________________________________________?"
(e.g., take turns talking, ask before borrowing)
2
My School Adult Support Team
When a problem is too big to solve alone, write 2 adults at school you feel comfortable asking for help:
Adult #1 (Teacher, Case Manager, or Aide):
Name:
Room / Location:
Adult #2 (Counselor, Coach, or Dean):
Name:
Room / Location:
Certificate of Completion
This certifies that has successfully completed
Social Bridges: 5-Session Communication & Regulation Group
1. Connections
2. Tone & Space
3. Ping-Pong Chat
4. Calm Reset
5. Speak Up
Student Pledge Signature
Group Facilitator / Teacher Signature
