Teacher Script: Body Language Detectives

Introduction (Warm-Up: What's Their Story?) - (3 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon, detectives! Today, we're going to become experts at understanding what people are thinking and feeling, even when they don't say a word. Has anyone ever heard of something called 'body language'? What do you think that means?"

"That's right! Body language is like a secret code our bodies use to show how we're feeling. It's super important because it helps us understand our friends and family better, and it helps them understand us too!"

"Let's try an experiment. I'm going to show you some pictures (or act out) of people. I want you to tell me what emotion you think they're feeling, and why you think that. What clues does their body give us?"

(Show 2-3 pictures or act out simple emotions like happy, sad, confused. Encourage students to point out specific body cues like a smile, frown, or furrowed brow.)

Introducing Body Language Basics (5 minutes)

"Great detective work! Now, let's learn some common body language clues that can help us figure out what's going on with someone. Take a look at our Body Language Basics Slide Deck as we go through this."

"First, think about eyes. If someone is looking right at you when you're talking, what might that tell you?"

"Yes, it often means they are listening and interested! What if their eyes are looking down or away?"

"Sometimes it means they're shy, or maybe a little uncomfortable or sad. How about their mouth? What does a big smile usually tell you?"

"And a frown?"

"Perfect! Now, arms. If someone has their arms crossed tightly, what might that signal?"

"It could mean they're feeling a bit closed off, or maybe even a little grumpy or cold! What if their arms are open and relaxed?"

"That usually means they're open and friendly. Lastly, posture. If someone is standing tall and confident, how do you think they feel?"

"And if they're slouching or huddled up?"

"Remember, these are clues, not always exact answers. Someone might cross their arms because they're cold, not angry! But paying attention helps us understand a lot."

Worksheet: Body Language Detectives (5 minutes)

"Alright, my keen-eyed detectives! It's time to put your skills to the test with our Body Language Detectives Worksheet. I'm handing out a worksheet with a few scenarios. Your job is to read each situation and write down what you think the person is feeling based on their body language, and why. Think about all the clues we just discussed!"

(Distribute worksheets. Circulate and assist students. After a few minutes, bring the group back together.)

"Let's quickly go over a couple of these. For scenario number one, what did you write? What clues did you see?" (Discuss with 1-2 examples, referring to the Answer Key for Worksheet as needed).

Activity: Body Language Charades (7 minutes)

"Fantastic work, everyone! Now for a really fun challenge. We're going to play Body Language Charades Activity! Here's how it works: I have cards with different emotions or simple actions written on them. One of you will pick a card and act out what's on it using only your body – no talking, no sounds! The rest of you will be the detectives and guess what emotion or action they are showing. When you guess, tell us what body language clues helped you figure it out!"

(Facilitate the game. Encourage students to exaggerate movements and expressions. Provide gentle guidance and positive reinforcement.)

Game: Conversation Flow (3 minutes)

"Wow, you are amazing body language readers! But understanding others is just one part of being a great friend and communicator. The other part is knowing how to keep a conversation going! It's like playing catch with words – you don't want the ball to drop!"

"We're going to play a quick Conversation Flow Game. I'll start a conversation with someone, and then they'll add to it and 'pass the conversation ball' to someone else. The goal is to keep it going by listening and asking a new question or adding a new thought. Try to ask 'open-ended' questions – ones that can't just be answered with a 'yes' or 'no.'"

(Model an example. "Hi [Student Name], what was your favorite part of recess today?" After they answer, prompt them, "Now, ask [Another Student Name] a question about their day!")

Wrap-Up: Key Takeaways (2 minutes)

"Excellent job today, social skills detectives! You've learned two super important social superpowers: reading body language and keeping conversations flowing. Why do you think these skills are important in your daily life?"

"That's right! They help us make friends, understand others, and share our ideas. Can anyone share one new thing they learned today or one thing they will try to do this week to use their new social superpowers?"

"Wonderful! Keep practicing, and you'll be social superstars in no time!"

Body Language Detectives Worksheet

Name: ________________________

Instructions: Read each scenario. Based on the body language clues, write down what emotion you think the person is feeling. Then, explain why you think that.

Scenario 1:

Maya is sitting at her desk. Her shoulders are slumped forward, and she's looking down at her hands. She isn't talking much.

What emotion do you think Maya is feeling?

Why do you think that? What body language clues did you see?

Scenario 2:

Leo just finished drawing a picture. He has a big smile on his face, his eyes are wide, and he's holding his drawing up for everyone to see.

What emotion do you think Leo is feeling?

Why do you think that? What body language clues did you see?

Scenario 3:

Chloe is listening to her friend talk. She is looking at her friend, nodding her head, and her arms are relaxed at her sides.

What emotion do you think Chloe is feeling?

Why do you think that? What body language clues did you see?

Scenario 4:

Sam is at the park. He saw his friend sharing toys with another kid. Sam frowns a little, crosses his arms, and turns his back slightly.

What emotion do you think Sam is feeling?

Why do you think that? What body language clues did you see?

Challenge Question:

Why is it important to pay attention to other people's body language?

Body Language Charades Activity

Goal: Practice showing and identifying emotions using only body language.

Materials:

• Small slips of paper with emotions written on them (see list below)
• A hat or bowl to put the slips in

Instructions for the Teacher:

1. Cut out the emotion words below and fold them, placing them into a hat or bowl.
2. Explain the rules to the students: One student will pick a slip of paper and act out the emotion written on it. They cannot make any sounds or talk. They must only use their body to show how they are feeling.
3. The other students will watch carefully and try to guess the emotion.
4. Once an emotion is guessed, ask the students: "What body language clues helped you guess?" (e.g., "I saw their shoulders were slumped, so I thought they were sad.")
5. Encourage different students to take turns acting and guessing.

Emotion Slips (Cut these out!):

• Happy

• Sad

• Angry

• Confused

• Excited

• Scared

• Shy

• Proud

• Surprised

• Frustrated

• Relaxed

• Worried

Conversation Flow Game

Goal: Practice listening and asking questions to keep a conversation going.

Materials:

• A soft ball or a designated "conversation object" (e.g., a stuffed animal)

Instructions for the Teacher:

1. Have students sit in a circle.
2. Explain that the goal of this game is to keep a conversation "flowing" like a river, by listening to what others say and asking new questions or adding new thoughts.
3. Start the conversation by holding the "conversation object" and saying something simple about a topic (e.g., "My favorite animal is a dog because they are so playful.").
4. Gently toss the object to a student. That student must respond to what you said and then add their own sentence or ask a question to another student to keep the conversation going.
5. Emphasize asking "open-ended" questions (questions that can't just be answered with a simple "yes" or "no"). For example, instead of "Do you like dogs?" try "What kind of pet do you like and why?"
6. If a student is stuck, offer a prompt or a suggested question. Remind them to listen to the last thing said and build on it.
7. The game continues until the conversation naturally slows down, or time is called.

Tips for Keeping the Conversation Flowing:

• Listen: Really hear what the other person is saying.
• Add On: Share a related thought or experience.
• Ask Questions: Ask "who, what, when, where, why, or how" questions to learn more.
• Look at Body Language: See if the person you're talking to looks interested or confused.

Answer Key: Body Language Detectives Worksheet

Instructions: Use this answer key to grade student responses and provide feedback. Encourage students to explain their reasoning, as interpretations of body language can sometimes vary with context.

Scenario 1:

Maya is sitting at her desk. Her shoulders are slumped forward, and she's looking down at her hands. She isn't talking much.

What emotion do you think Maya is feeling?

• Possible Answer: Sad, Upset, Unhappy, Shy, Worried, Disappointed.

Why do you think that? What body language clues did you see?

• Reasoning: Her slumped shoulders, looking down, and quietness suggest she might be feeling down or shy. These are common cues for sadness or discomfort.

Scenario 2:

Leo just finished drawing a picture. He has a big smile on his face, his eyes are wide, and he's holding his drawing up for everyone to see.

What emotion do you think Leo is feeling?

• Possible Answer: Happy, Excited, Proud, Joyful.

Why do you think that? What body language clues did you see?

• Reasoning: His big smile, wide eyes, and holding up his drawing are strong indicators of happiness, excitement, or pride in his work.

Scenario 3:

Chloe is listening to her friend talk. She is looking at her friend, nodding her head, and her arms are relaxed at her sides.

What emotion do you think Chloe is feeling?

• Possible Answer: Interested, Listening, Engaged, Attentive, Friendly.

Why do you think that? What body language clues did you see?

• Reasoning: Looking at her friend, nodding, and relaxed arms all show that she is paying attention and is open to the conversation. This suggests interest and engagement.

Scenario 4:

Sam is at the park. He saw his friend sharing toys with another kid. Sam frowns a little, crosses his arms, and turns his back slightly.

What emotion do you think Sam is feeling?

• Possible Answer: Jealous, Upset, Angry, Excluded, Annoyed, Frustrated.

Why do you think that? What body language clues did you see?

• Reasoning: Frowning, crossed arms, and turning his back are all signs of displeasure, feeling closed off, or possibly jealousy because his friend is playing with someone else.

Challenge Question:

Why is it important to pay attention to other people's body language?

• Possible Answer: It helps us understand how others are feeling even if they don't say anything. It can help us know if someone is sad and needs help, or if they are happy to talk. It helps us be better friends and avoid misunderstandings.