On any given day, students encounter countless social situations—some that feel as familiar as tying their shoes and others that catch them completely off guard. These moments, big and small, shape how they connect with others and navigate the world. But unlike rehearsing for a play or practicing free throws, preparing for social interactions isn’t something most students naturally have the opportunity to do. That’s where role-playing games can truly shine.
If you’ve already explored our role-playing activity cards, you know the power of imagining yourself in someone else’s shoes. These scenarios help students sharpen their social awareness, strengthen their empathy, and practice thoughtful responses to everyday challenges. But the possibilities for meaningful practice don’t stop there.
To expand on this resource, here are several additional ideas for role-playing social situations that your students can practice with their peers or family members:
Greetings
Scenario: Arriving/leaving school.
- Saying hello and goodbye
- Maintaining eye contact, confident posture, and smiling
- When handshakes are appropriate and what kind of handshakes to do
- How to greet teachers
- How to greet other staff at school
Giving Someone a Compliment
Scenario: Hanging out with a new student at school.
- What is something that they have worked hard on or take pride in?
- How can you make someone’s day with just your words?
Working in a Group
Scenario: You’re doing group work in class, one of your group members is difficult to work with.
- Conflict resolution – “let’s look at the pros and cons of each idea”
- Making your point heard – “here’s why I think this will work” when disagreements arise
- How to take turns
- Allowing others a chance to speak and explain their point of view
Joining a Group
Scenario: There’s a group of students sitting on the grass at recess. You want to join in with them.
- What to do if they have closed body language and they are whispering?
- What to do if they have inviting, relaxed body language and they are laughing?
- Be confident and ask if you can join and what they are talking about
- Use a question to break the ice with the group, ex: “Hey, can I ask you something…?”
- How to act if they open up and welcome you into the group?
- How to act if they ignore you or box you out?
From navigating group dynamics to initiating conversations, these additional scenarios invite students to practice social skills in a wide range of settings. They offer flexibility for both classroom and home use, providing students with a safe space to rehearse the challenges they may encounter in their daily lives.
Pair these activities with our original Social Awareness Role-Playing Cards to create a comprehensive toolkit for developing social-emotional skills. With these resources, you can help your students turn uncertain moments into confident strides toward connection and understanding.
