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Am I Reading This Right: Understanding Social Context

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Margo Crockett

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Context Clues for Social Situations Plan

Adults will identify how different social contexts influence communication and expected behavior, and practice adapting their communication style to various settings.

Understanding and applying appropriate communication in diverse social contexts is a vital life skill. It helps adults navigate personal and professional relationships more effectively, avoid misunderstandings, and feel more confident in various social situations.

Audience

Adults Class

Time

65 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, guided examples, a collaborative game, and practical application.

Materials

  • Social Settings Spectrum, - Contextual Communication Challenge, and - Appropriate Responses Checklist

Prep

Preparation Steps

15 minutes

  • Review the Context Clues for Social Situations Plan thoroughly.
    - Familiarize yourself with the Social Settings Spectrum and teacher notes.
    - Print copies of the Appropriate Responses Checklist for each participant.
    - Prepare the materials for the Contextual Communication Challenge.
    - Ensure projector and screen are set up for the slide deck.

Step 1

Warm-Up: First Impressions

10 minutes

Activity: First Impressions
- Ask participants to share a time they felt out of place in a social situation because they weren't sure how to act or what to say.
- Facilitate a brief discussion on why these situations can be challenging.
- Introduce the lesson objective.

Step 2

Introduction: The Social Chameleon

5 minutes

Discussion: What is 'Social Context'?
- Explain that social context refers to the circumstances, setting, and people involved in a communication exchange.
- Emphasize that communication isn't one-size-fits-all.
- Introduce the idea of adapting communication styles.

Step 3

Core Instruction: Spectrum of Settings

20 minutes

Presentation: Social Settings Spectrum
- Use the Social Settings Spectrum to guide a discussion on various social contexts (e.g., casual gathering, job interview, doctor's office, formal event).
- For each context, discuss:
- Expected verbal communication (tone, vocabulary, volume)
- Expected non-verbal communication (body language, eye contact, gestures)
- Appropriate topics of conversation
- General behavioral expectations
- Encourage participants to share their own experiences and observations.

Step 4

Activity: Communication Challenge

15 minutes

Game: Contextual Communication Challenge
- Divide participants into small groups.
- Explain the rules of the Contextual Communication Challenge.
- Distribute game materials and allow groups to play.
- Circulate to provide support and observe interactions.

Step 5

Application: Checklist Practice

10 minutes

Worksheet: Appropriate Responses Checklist
- Distribute the Appropriate Responses Checklist.
- Ask participants to work individually or in pairs to complete the checklist, reflecting on the scenarios presented.
- Review answers as a whole group, discussing reasoning for different choices.

Step 6

Cool-Down: Takeaway

5 minutes

Reflection: One Key Learning
- Ask each participant to share one key takeaway or a specific strategy they plan to use in a future social situation.
- Reiterate the importance of observation and flexibility in social communication.

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Slide Deck

Welcome: The Social Chameleon

How do you adapt your communication?

  • Have you ever felt unsure how to act or what to say in a new social situation?
  • Today, we'll learn to be 'social chameleons' and adapt our communication to different settings!

Context Clues for Social Situations Plan

Welcome participants and introduce the concept of social context. Ask if anyone has felt unsure about how to communicate in a new situation. Explain that today's lesson will help them become 'social chameleons' by understanding how to adapt their communication.

What is Social Context?

It's Not One-Size-Fits-All!

Social Context: The circumstances, setting, and people involved in a communication exchange.

  • Think about it: Do you talk to your best friend the same way you talk to your boss?
  • Why not? The context changes everything!

Introduce the idea that social situations aren't one-size-fits-all. Explain that understanding the 'context' helps us know what's expected. Define social context as the circumstances, setting, and people involved.

The Social Settings Spectrum

From Casual to Formal: Where Do You Land?

Casual <---------------------------------------------------> Formal

  • Where do these situations fall?
    • Family dinner
    • Job interview
    • Meeting a new neighbor
    • Presenting at a conference

This slide introduces the spectrum. Emphasize that contexts range from very casual to very formal. Ask participants to brainstorm examples for each end of the spectrum.

Casual Catch-Up: With Friends

Hanging Out with Buddies

  • Verbal Communication: Relaxed, slang often used, interrupt sometimes okay, varied volume.
  • Non-Verbal Communication: Close proximity, relaxed posture, frequent eye contact (but not always intense).
  • Topics: Personal stories, jokes, shared interests.
  • Behaviors: Laughing loudly, informal greetings.

Focus on a casual setting. Ask participants: What kind of language is appropriate? How do people usually stand? What topics are common? Encourage sharing personal experiences.

Professional Talk: Job Interview

Making a Great Impression

  • Verbal Communication: Formal language, precise vocabulary, turn-taking, moderate volume.
  • Non-Verbal Communication: Professional attire, upright posture, consistent but not staring eye contact.
  • Topics: Work experience, skills, career goals.
  • Behaviors: Active listening, respectful questions, firm handshake.

Transition to a more formal setting. Ask: How does this differ from the casual setting? What are the 'rules' here? What could happen if you used casual communication here?

Community Connection: Parent-Teacher Conference

Discussing Important Progress

  • Verbal Communication: Respectful, clear, focused on the child, professional tone.
  • Non-Verbal Communication: Engaged posture, attentive listening, appropriate eye contact.
  • Topics: Student progress, concerns, learning strategies.
  • Behaviors: Collaborative, solution-oriented, courteous.

Discuss a common setting that can be semi-formal. Ask participants to identify elements of both casual and formal communication that might apply. Highlight the need for adaptability.

Key Takeaways: Be Observant!

Your Social Superpowers!

  1. Observe Your Surroundings: Look at the people, the setting, and the activity.
  2. Listen to Others: Notice their tone, vocabulary, and body language.
  3. Adjust Your Style: Adapt your verbal and non-verbal cues.
  4. When in Doubt, Be More Formal: It's usually safer than being too casual.

Practice makes perfect!

Summarize the key takeaways. Reiterate that successful communication means being flexible and observing the cues around them. Encourage practice and asking for clarification if unsure.

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Game

Contextual Communication Challenge

Objective: To practice adapting communication styles to various social contexts.

Materials:

  • Scenario Cards (printed and cut out)
  • Optional: Paper and pens for notes

Instructions:

  1. Divide into small groups (3-4 participants per group).
  2. Each group will draw a "Scenario Card" from the pile.
  3. As a group, read the scenario carefully.
  4. Discuss the following questions for your scenario:
    • What is the specific social context of this situation?
    • Who are the main people involved in the communication?
    • What are the expected verbal communication styles (e.g., tone, vocabulary, formality, volume)?
    • What are the expected non-verbal communication styles (e.g., body language, eye contact, proximity)?
    • What would be some appropriate topics of conversation?
    • What would be some inappropriate topics of conversation?
    • How might someone misinterpret the situation if they don't adapt their communication?
  5. Prepare to share your group's analysis and proposed communication strategy with the larger group.

Scenario Cards

Scenario 1: The Doctor's Office
You are at a follow-up appointment with a new doctor to discuss important test results. You are feeling a bit anxious.


Scenario 2: Casual Networking Event
You are at a relaxed evening mixer for people in your industry. You don't know many people there, but you want to make new connections.


Scenario 3: Challenging a Bill
You are calling a customer service representative to dispute a charge on your bill that you believe is incorrect. You feel frustrated.


Scenario 4: Introducing a Friend
You are at a family gathering and want to introduce your new friend to your elderly grandmother, who has some hearing loss.


Scenario 5: Public Transport Commute
You are on a crowded bus during rush hour, and the person next to you is playing loud music through their headphones.


Scenario 6: Online Job Interview
You are participating in a video interview for a professional position you really want.

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Worksheet

Appropriate Responses Checklist

Objective: To reflect on different social scenarios and identify appropriate communication strategies.

Instructions: For each scenario below, read the situation and then consider the questions. Use the space provided to briefly describe what you believe would be the most appropriate verbal and non-verbal responses, and why.

Scenario 1: A Busy Coffee Shop

You are in a very busy coffee shop, and you need to politely ask the barista for a refill of your water cup.

  • Social Context:


  • Verbal Response (What would you say?):


  • Non-Verbal Response (How would you act?):


  • Why is this appropriate?





Scenario 2: Formal Work Presentation

You are attending a formal presentation at work given by a senior colleague. You have a question about a slide.

  • Social Context:


  • Verbal Response (What would you say?):


  • Non-Verbal Response (How would you act?):


  • Why is this appropriate?





Scenario 3: Catching Up with an Old Friend

You unexpectedly run into an old friend you haven't seen in years at the grocery store. You are both in a hurry.

  • Social Context:


  • Verbal Response (What would you say?):


  • Non-Verbal Response (How would you act?):


  • Why is this appropriate?





Scenario 4: A Serious Conversation

Your friend comes to you upset about a difficult situation they are going through and wants to talk about it.

  • Social Context:


  • Verbal Response (What would you say?):


  • Non-Verbal Response (How would you act?):


  • Why is this appropriate?





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