Slide Deck
Spot the Signals
Today we’re going to learn three kinds of social cues:
• Facial expressions
• Body language
• Tone of voice
Let’s discover how to read them!
Welcome everyone! Today we’re starting our “Spot the Signals” adventure. Explain that social cues are all around us and help us understand how people feel.
Facial Expressions
Examples:
😃 Happy (smile, eyes crinkle)
😢 Sad (downturned mouth, tears)
😡 Angry (furrowed brows, clenched jaw)
Question: What facial feature helped you guess each emotion?
Point out each example image on the screen (smiling face, frown, raised eyebrows). Ask students to name the emotion and what facial clue gave it away.
Body Language
Examples:
• Crossed arms = closed off or upset
• Slumped shoulders = tired or sad
• Leaning in = interested or friendly
Question: What do you think crossed arms might mean?
Highlight how posture and gestures convey feelings. Encourage volunteers to act out one posture so classmates can guess.
Tone of Voice
Example phrase: “I’m fine.”
• Soft or quiet = maybe upset
• Loud or sharp = maybe frustrated
• Cheerful tone = genuinely okay
Question: How did tone change what you thought?
Demonstrate by saying “I’m fine” in different ways (softly, loudly, sarcastically). Invite students to mimic.
Practice Time
Look at each example on the slide and decide:
- What is the facial expression?
- What is the body posture?
- What tone do you hear/imagining?
- What emotion is being shown?
Show a new photo or act out a cue. Ask students to identify the three signals—face, body, tone—and name the emotion.
Class Discussion
Share with the group:
• One social cue you noticed today
• How you’ll use it when talking with friends or family
Wrap up by inviting students to share one new social cue they noticed and how it could help them in real life.
Activity
Body Language Bingo
Instructions: As the teacher calls out different body language descriptions, mark the matching square on your bingo card. Get five in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) to win!
| Crossed Arms | Slumped Shoulders | Leaning In | Foot Tapping | Furrowed Brows |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eye Roll | Shrugging Shoulders | Hands Clasped | Finger Pointing | Head Tilt |
| Hands Behind Back | Free Space | Hands in Pockets | Shrug | Smile |
| Fist Clenched | Eyebrows Raised | Pacing in Place | Hand on Face | Legs Crossed |
| Chewing Lip | Head Nod | Open Palms | Finger on Chin | Back Turned |
Discussion
Classroom Cue Chat
Overview:
In this activity, students work in pairs to practice reading social cues through role-play scenarios.
Instructions
- Pair up students.
- Give each pair one scenario card.
- Assign roles: Person A (gives cues) and Person B (observes & interprets).
- Act out the scenario for 1–2 minutes.
- Person B answers guided questions.
- Switch roles and choose a new scenario.
Scenario Cards
-
Scenario 1: “I’m Fine”
Your friend crosses their arms, frowns, and quietly says, “I’m fine.”
Focus: Body Language, Tone of Voice -
Scenario 2: The Tapping Foot
A classmate taps their foot, glances at their watch, and sighs before saying, “Hurry up!”
Focus: Body Language, Tone of Voice -
Scenario 3: The Soft Request
A student looks down, speaks softly, and asks, “Can I borrow your pencil?”
Focus: Facial Expression, Tone of Voice -
Scenario 4: The Excited Invite
A peer leans forward, smiles widely, and says in an upbeat voice, “Do you want to play with us?”
Focus: Facial Expressions, Body Language, Tone of Voice -
Scenario 5: The Defensive Reply
Someone raises their chin, narrows their eyes, and says sharply, “Mind your own business!”
Focus: Facial Expression, Body Language, Tone of Voice
Discussion Questions for Observers
- What social cues did you notice?
- How did these cues match or differ from the words spoken?
- What emotion do you think was being shown?
- How might you respond kindly in this situation?
Follow-Up
Invite each pair to share one scenario and their interpretation with the class. Discuss how paying attention to social cues can change our understanding of what people really mean.
Cool Down
Signal Reflection Exit Ticket
Take a moment to think back on today’s lesson. Use the space below to answer both questions.
- One social cue I learned today is:
- I will use this social cue when I am with friends, family, or classmates by:
Lesson Plan
Social Cue Safari Plan
Students will learn to spot and interpret facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice through interactive activities and reflection, boosting their confidence in everyday communication.
Understanding social cues helps students navigate social interactions, build empathy, and strengthen peer and adult relationships by accurately reading others' emotions and intentions.
Audience
4th Grade Class
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive slides, games, discussions, and written reflection.
Materials
Spot the Signals Slides, Body Language Bingo Cards, Classroom Cue Chat Discussion Guide, and Signal Reflection Exit Ticket
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
Step 1
Introduction to Social Cues
5 minutes
Step 2
Facial Expression Safari
10 minutes
Step 3
Body Language Bingo
10 minutes
Step 4
Classroom Cue Chat
10 minutes
Step 5
Signal Reflection Exit Ticket
10 minutes