Our Top 5 Seasonal Clips for Social Language

It is that time of year again-Elf on the Shelf, Reindeer, Stockings and Trees. This week in social skills our students are continuing their social detective work, by identifying if a character leaves a "thumbs-up" impression or a "thumbs-down" impression. We thought we would tie our social learning to the season with some great Winter and Christmas themed videos. As we go through these clips, we will ask our students to take the detective work one step farther, by inferring information about the situation and thinking about how the character can change other's thoughts and feelings. Please note that we use YouTube as our source for the videos and while we have previewed the videos, PLEASE BE CAREFUL WITH LETTING STUDENTS WATCH THE ADVERTISEMENTS AND PICTURES THAT LOAD AT THE END. Here are our top picks:

1.) Buddy the Elf -Discovers New York



Questions to ask the students as you watch the video:

-Why does buddy think the man in red is Santa?
-Buddy is waving to a man, what is the man actually doing? What kind of impression is buddy making?
-Why does buddy run into the coffee shop and yell congratulations?
-What is the woman thinking when she sees buddy running in the revolving door? What will he do next? What impression is he making?
-What can he do to change the weird thoughts about him?

2.) Elf-  Talking about Santa

 

 Questions to ask the students as you watch the video:

-Buddy is arguing about the North Pole and Snow? What impression does this leave?
-How does the boss feel about him arguing? How can you tell?
-How does the boss feel about Buddy smiling? Why?
-What impression is buddy making about smiling with nothing funny going on?
-Why is Buddy screaming? What impression does he make?
-Buddy is only thinking about Santa? Would you want to still be his friend?
-How can he change the boss's weird thoughts?


3.) The Grinch- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppWrbYC3WwQ

Questions to ask the students as you watch the video:

-During this clip does the Grinch think about himself or others? How can you tell?
-The grinch's heart is two sizes too small? Does that affect his feelings?
-What is your impression of the grinch? How could he change it by what he says and does?
-Do you think the Grinch is lonely? Why or Why not?


4.) Frozen- Olaf, Anna, Sven-First Impressions

 

Questions to ask the students as you watch the video:

-Olaf does not remember Anna and says,"Hi I'm Olaf, I love warm hugs?" Is that a good first impression? What could he say instead? 

-Anna introduces herself is this expected or unexpected? What are the clues you notice? 

-Sven tries to eat Olaf's nose? Is that expected or unexpected behavior for a Elk or Reindeer? 

-What is Olaf's reaction? 

-Is it ok to get mad or feel frustrated when someone is in your space like that? 

5. ) Peanuts- Christmas Play Practice

 

Questions to ask the students as you watch the video:

-What is Snoopy doing that is unexpected? What is your impression? 

-What is Lucy doing that is unexpected? What is your impression?

-Would you want to be in Lucy's play if she is the director why or why not? 

-How can she change her words and actions to be a "thumbs-up" impression? 

-Thanks for reading, please share any clips you use for seasonal social language or let us know your opinion on our picks!~