Spicy Small Talk and Other Stories is designed to help students explore and understand the nuances of social interactions, especially neurodivergent masking and cultural diversity pertaining to small talk. This SEL social and emotional learning resource features six comic strips for reflection activities and creative exercises to enhance students’ social awareness and storytelling skills. (Only one comic strip is shown in the preview.)

Students are provided with a page of blank speech bubbles and the same two characters, allowing them to create their own dialogue. This activity enhances story development skills by prompting students to think about the conversation between the characters and how it unfolds. (The jpeg files with the blank speech bubbles are included so that you can re-size and print them to your desired size on the page.)

Why Educators Should Use Spicy Small Talk:

• Foster Empathy and Understanding: This resource helps students understand and appreciate the diverse social experiences of their peers, promoting empathy and inclusivity.
• Encourage Creative Expression: The dialogue creation activity allows students to practice storytelling in a fun and engaging way, enhancing their creative writing and communication skills.
• Support Inclusive Education: By addressing neurodivergent masking and cultural differences in communication, this resource aligns with inclusive education goals and helps create a supportive learning environment for all students.

The six comic strips include:
Awesomely Awkward: a short story about celebrating awkwardness
Spicy Small Talk: a short story about masking
Play the Game: a short story about unspoken rules
See One, Do One, Teach One: a short story about literal meaning and idiomatic expression
Team Project: a short story about teamwork preferences and special interests
You Can Always Learn More: a short story about balancing learning with self-care and special interests

Note: “See one, do one, teach one” and “you can always learn more” are idiomatic expressions commonly used in medical education and training.

How to this resource:

Educators may wish to use the sheet with the blank speech bubbles with or without the pre-written dialogue. The chosen comic strip may be introduced before or after students have had the opportunity to create their own story or dialogue. Students may discuss the story in class or as a written reflection activity.

Spicy Small Talk and Other Stories is an invaluable resource for educators aiming to foster empathy, inclusivity, and creative expression in their classrooms. By exploring neurodivergent experiences and cultural diversity in small talk, this resource helps students reflect on social norms and develop a deeper understanding of their peers.

Author: Joan Tu

Publication Date: August 24, 2024

Page Count: 18 (6 3-page handouts)

Format: Digital Download

Interior in: Black & White

Ages: 8+

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TERMS OF USE:
One download per educator. Each educator may print hard copies for students.

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