Lesson Plan
Body Language Detectives Lesson Plan
Students will practice reading body language cues by observing scenario cards and recording their interpretations on a worksheet, aiming to identify emotions from nonverbal signals.
This lesson helps students with extra support improve social understanding and emotional recognition by decoding body language, fostering better peer and adult interactions.
Audience
3rd Grade
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Guided observation of scenario cards and structured reflection.
Materials
- Body Language Scenario Cards, - Observation Worksheet, and - Colored Pencils or Markers
Prep
Material Preparation
5 minutes
- Print and cut out the Body Language Scenario Cards.
- Make one copy of the Observation Worksheet for the student.
- Gather colored pencils or markers.
Step 1
Introduction
2 minutes
- Explain that body language are nonverbal cues like facial expressions and posture.
- Show the student an example photo and discuss what emotion it might convey.
- Ask the student to share a time they noticed someone’s body language.
Step 2
Guided Observation
8 minutes
- Present the Body Language Scenario Cards one at a time.
- For each card, ask: “What do you see?” and “How does this person feel?”
- Have the student record observations and guesses on the Observation Worksheet.
- Provide hints if the student struggles, pointing out posture and facial cues.
Step 3
Reflection and Feedback
3 minutes
- Review the worksheet with the student, comparing their responses to the intended emotions.
- Highlight which body language cues were key (e.g., slumped shoulders, frown).
- Praise accurate observations and clarify any misunderstandings.
Step 4
Wrap-Up
2 minutes
- Summarize the lesson: observing eyes, mouth, and posture helps read feelings.
- Encourage the student to use these skills when interacting with classmates.
- Remind them to practice noticing body language during the day.
Slide Deck
Body Language Detectives
Welcome! Today we will learn how to read body language to understand feelings without words.
Welcome the student and introduce today’s lesson. Say: “Today you’re a Body Language Detective! We will look at pictures and clues to figure out how people feel without words.”
Introduce a short video to reinforce reading body language clues in a fun way. Say: “Let’s watch a quick video and see if we can identify emotions based on how characters look and move.”
What Is Body Language?
Body language = nonverbal cues like:
• Facial expressions (smiles, frowns)
• Posture (standing tall, slumped shoulders)
• Gestures (crossed arms, raised hands)
Explain what body language is. You might say: “Body language are the nonverbal signals we send—like facial expressions, posture, and gestures. They help us know how someone feels.”
Detective Time: Scenario 1
Look at the scene on the Body Language Scenario Cards.
• What do you notice?
• How do you think this person feels?
• Which clues gave it away?
Show the first scenario card to the student. Ask guiding questions: “What do you see? How do you think this person feels? Which clues led you to that feeling?” Provide hints as needed.
Record Your Clues
Use your Observation Worksheet to:
- Write or draw the body language clues you noticed.
- Name the emotion you think it shows.
- Color or highlight the key parts (eyes, mouth, posture).
Hand the student the observation worksheet and colored pencils. Instruct: “Draw or write the cues you saw and the emotion you think it shows. Use your clues to explain your answer.”
Review & Practice
Great job, Detective!
Remember:
• Eyes and mouth show feelings
• Posture and gestures give clues
Keep practicing today—notice how classmates and family members use body language.
Review the student’s worksheet together. Praise correct answers and clarify any misunderstandings. Summarize key takeaways and encourage them to keep observing body language throughout the day.
Activity
Body Language Scenario Cards
Use these cards to help students observe and name emotions by reading nonverbal cues. Print, cut out, and present one card at a time.
How to use: For each card, ask:
- What do you notice about this person?
- How do you think they feel?
- Which body language clues helped you decide?
Card 1: Excited
Description: A girl with her arms spread wide, a big open-mouthed grin, and eyes sparkling.
Clues:
- Arms spread wide
- Big smile with open mouth
- Eyes wide and bright
Card 2: Sad
Description: A boy sitting with slumped shoulders, head hanging low, and a small frown.
Clues:
- Slumped shoulders
- Head down
- Downturned mouth
Card 3: Angry
Description: A girl standing with arms crossed tightly, eyebrows furrowed, and lips pressed together in a straight line.
Clues:
- Arms crossed
- Furrowed eyebrows
- Tight lips
Card 4: Surprised
Description: A boy covering his mouth with one hand, eyebrows raised, and eyes wide open.
Clues:
- Hand over mouth
- Raised eyebrows
- Wide eyes
Card 5: Tired
Description: A girl yawning, covering her mouth with one hand, eyes half-closed, and head drooping.
Clues:
- Yawning
- Hand over mouth
- Drooping head and half-closed eyes
Card 6: Impatient
Description: A boy tapping his foot quickly, arms crossed, and lips pouting.
Clues:
- Foot tapping
- Arms crossed
- Pouting lips
Worksheet
Observation Worksheet
Use your detective skills with the Body Language Scenario Cards! For each card, write what you see, name the emotion, and explain which clues helped you decide.
Card 1
- What body language clues do you notice?
- What emotion do you think this shows?
- Which clues helped you decide?
Card 2
- What body language clues do you notice?
- What emotion do you think this shows?
- Which clues helped you decide?
Card 3
- What body language clues do you notice?
- What emotion do you think this shows?
- Which clues helped you decide?
Card 4
- What body language clues do you notice?
- What emotion do you think this shows?
- Which clues helped you decide?
Card 5
- What body language clues do you notice?
- What emotion do you think this shows?
- Which clues helped you decide?
Card 6
- What body language clues do you notice?
- What emotion do you think this shows?
- Which clues helped you decide?
Cool Down
Body Language Detective Reflection
Take a moment to wrap up your detective work! Use the questions below to think about what you learned and set a goal for using your new skills.
1. Best Detection
What emotion was the easiest for you to identify today? Why?
2. Key Clue
Which body language clue did you notice first? (eyes, mouth, posture, or gesture)
3. Real-Life Detective
Describe one time today (in class or at home) when you used your body language skills to figure out how someone felt.
4. Detective Goal
My goal this week is to watch for ___________________ when talking with friends or family and use what I learn to help them.
Tip: You can review your notes on the Observation Worksheet or look again at the Body Language Scenario Cards to remind yourself of important clues.