Kari's
Blog
June 15, 2015
Perspective Taking
Q: Could a 5-point scale
help a 5th grade student with ASD to understand issues
of appropriate Internet use? My student has sent mean
emails to both staff and students and has made mean comments
on their blogs. I want to explain to this student that
her words are hurtful and that sarcasm doesn't come across
in print the way that it does in real life?
A: You could try using a 5-point scale to "systemize"
a discussion about her various posts. Below is an example
of how her scale might look.
You can then review her posts
or comments and mark 1-5 based on your perception of each
remark. Then have her do the same, giving her perception
to see if you share perspectives or how you differ. Maybe
have two peers also rate their posted comments and hers.
Practicing this and including discussion about perspective
taking can help your student understand how her comments
make other people feel, even if she doesn't feel the same.
Once she understands the rating system, it is easy to
point out future problems by saying:
"I know you thought
this comment was a funny #1, but Sarah felt like it was
a mean #3. She is upset." Remember to celebrate the
good stuff too: "Wow, Andrea 'liked' your comment.
That probably means it was a #1 or #2."
Posting Remarks Scale
5 = These comments are actually
against the law. These are threats or even perceived threats.
4 = These comments are very
offensive to many people. People might quit you as a FB
friend or even report you.
3 = These comments are on
the fence. These are things like using sarcasm because
you think it is funny but when someone only reads the
words (without the benefit of body language or facial
expression) it is likely to be mis-read. Other people
might think you are trying to be mean instead of funny.
2 = These are factual comments
that will most likely be taken as they were meant, even
if there are some people who don't agree. No use of explanation
points or capital letters.
1 = These are for sure compliments.
Words that say something nice about another person's post
or when you click on "like" for a comment or
picture that was posted.
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