Scenario practice · Grades 6–8
When friends leave someone out
Pick a safe way to help when friends exclude a classmate.
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Read the text version
Student page
“My friends are leaving someone out. I don’t want to make it worse.”
At lunch
Dev is carrying a lunch tray. Your friend moves a backpack onto the empty seat and says, “Don’t let Dev sit here.” Dev hears it and starts walking away.
Pick one thing you could do
If you can… | Words you could use
Make room safely | “There’s a seat by me if you want it.”
Check in later | “I saw what happened. Want to sit together tomorrow?”
Get an adult | “Can I tell you what happened at lunch? I’d like help.”
Try the words
Point to one choice. Read the line, change it, or practice it with a partner.
The choice I’d try
________________________________________
What if this keeps happening?
Tell a trusted adult what you saw and where it happened. You can ask to talk privately.
Teacher guide
7 minutes • Show the student page. Use the fictional lunch scene.
When to use it
When students see someone left out or feel caught between helping and going along with friends.
Why this activity
Students rehearse a response they can use without having to confront a group.
What to say and do
1. Read the story. Ask “What did Dev hear?”
2. Read all three choices. Ask “Which would you feel able to do? What might make it hard?”
3. Have students say or point to one response. Ask what they could tell an adult if it happens again.
What to listen or look for
“I’d check on Dev later” or “I’d tell the lunch monitor what I saw” are both workable. Listen for a safe action and specific words. Follow school procedures for actual reports.
Background and activity inspiration
https://ggie.berkeley.edu/practice/the-bystanders-dilemma-what-does-courage-look-like/