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Asking a friend to listen before giving advice: school support guide
Grades 6–8 · Ready-made original
Asking a friend to listen before giving advice: school support plan
Support focus
Ask for the kind of help you want.
Example situation
Jordan tells a friend that a project feels confusing. The friend gives several tips before Jordan has explained the problem.
Student words or action
Jordan says, “Could you listen first? Then help me find the directions.” The friend can ask what kind of support would help.
Adult response
“You can tell me what help you need. You do not have to sort this out alone.”
A supported practice
A friend gives advice before hearing the full problem.
How could the student ask for the help they actually want?
An example response: “Could you listen to the whole situation first?”
A second practice
A student wants a teacher example, but their partner keeps offering guesses.
How could the student ask for the help they actually want?
An example response: “Thanks. I need the teacher to clarify this direction before I choose a step.”
Student check-in page
Write, draw, or say your answer. You may pass.
Choose one story. How could the student ask for the help they actually want?
Support choices
□ Read the direction together □ Show one example □ Write the question instead of saying it □ Practice with an adult □ Watch first, then choose whether to try
A brief check-in
Question: How could the student ask for the help they actually want?