Cracking the Code of Social Cues

Andrea Labb

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Cracking the Code of Social Cues

Students will be able to identify at least two verbal and two non-verbal social cues in a given scenario to better understand social situations.

Understanding social cues is crucial for navigating social situations effectively, building strong relationships, and avoiding misunderstandings. This lesson will equip students with the skills to 'read the room' and respond appropriately.

Audience

7th Grade

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, direct instruction, and engaging activities.

Materials

Slide Deck: Cracking the Code of Social Cues, - Activity: Social Cue Scenario Cards, and - Game: Feelings Charades

Prep

Review Materials

10 minutes

Review the Slide Deck: Cracking the Code of Social Cues to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print and cut out the Activity: Social Cue Scenario Cards.
- Prepare for the Game: Feelings Charades by understanding the rules and potential emotions to act out.
- Ensure projector and computer are working properly.

Step 1

Introduction: What Are Social Cues? (3 minutes)

3 minutes

Begin by asking students: "Imagine you walk into a room and everyone looks sad. How do you know they're sad? What clues do you pick up on?" (Verbal cues like tone of voice, non-verbal cues like facial expressions, body language).
- Introduce the term 'social cues' and explain they are signals, both verbal and non-verbal, that help us understand what others are thinking or feeling.
- Present Slide 1 and Slide 2.

Step 2

Modeling: Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues (5 minutes)

5 minutes

Use Slide 3 to define verbal cues (what is said, tone, pitch, volume).
- Model different tones of voice saying the same simple phrase (e.g., "Okay") to convey different meanings (e.g., enthusiastic, sarcastic, bored). Ask students what they noticed.
- Use Slide 4 to define non-verbal cues (body language, facial expressions, gestures, eye contact).
- Model different body language postures or facial expressions (e.g., slumped shoulders, wide eyes) and ask students what feelings they suggest.
- Emphasize that we use both verbal and non-verbal cues together to get the full picture.

Step 3

Practice: Social Cue Scenario Cards (7 minutes)

7 minutes

Divide students into small groups.
- Distribute the Activity: Social Cue Scenario Cards to each group.
- Instruct groups to read each scenario and identify at least two verbal and two non-verbal cues presented, and what those cues might indicate.
- Circulate and provide support as needed. Bring the class back together to briefly discuss one or two scenarios as a whole group.

Step 4

Application: Feelings Charades Game (4 minutes)

4 minutes

Introduce the Game: Feelings Charades.
- Explain that students will act out emotions using only non-verbal cues, and others will guess.
- Play a few rounds, reinforcing the idea of observing facial expressions and body language closely.
- Use Slide 5 for instructions.

Step 5

Conclusion & Reflection (1 minute)

1 minute

Bring students back for a quick wrap-up.
- Ask: "Why is it important to be good at 'cracking the code' of social cues in real life?"
- Reiterate that being aware of these cues helps us understand others better and respond thoughtfully, leading to more positive social interactions.
- Use Slide 6.

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Slide Deck

Cracking the Code of Social Cues

Unlocking Hidden Messages in Conversation!

Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of the day. Ask them to think about how they know what others are feeling or thinking without words.

What Are Social Cues?

Signals, both spoken and unspoken, that help us understand what someone else is thinking or feeling.

Verbal Cues: What is said, how it's said
Non-Verbal Cues: Body language, facial expressions, gestures

Explain that social cues are like clues that help us understand social situations. They can be verbal (words, tone) or non-verbal (body language, facial expressions).

Verbal Cues: More Than Just Words

Tone of Voice: Sarcastic, excited, bored, serious
Pitch: High or low
Volume: Loud or soft
Pacing: Fast or slow

Example: Saying "I'm fine" differently.

Discuss verbal cues in more detail. Give examples of how the same words can mean different things depending on tone, pitch, and volume. Model a few examples.

Non-Verbal Cues: Reading Between the Lines

Body Language: Posture, gestures, proximity
Facial Expressions: Happiness, sadness, anger, surprise
Eye Contact: Direct, averted, intense
Gestures: Hand movements, nodding, shaking head

Shift to non-verbal cues. Emphasize that these are often powerful indicators of feelings. Model a few body language examples (e.g., arms crossed, open posture, fidgeting).

Game Time: Feelings Charades!

Let's put our new skills to the test!

Rules:
- One person acts out an emotion.
- No talking!
- Others guess the emotion based on non-verbal cues.
- Pay attention to body language and facial expressions!

Introduce the "Feelings Charades" game. Explain the rules: act out an emotion using only non-verbal cues. This helps students practice recognizing these cues.

Why Does This Matter?

Being good at reading social cues helps you:

Understand others better.
Respond appropriately in different situations.
Build stronger friendships.
Avoid misunderstandings.

Keep practicing your social cue detective skills!

Wrap up the lesson by asking students to reflect on the importance of social cues in their daily lives. Encourage them to use these skills to improve their social interactions.

Activity

Social Cue Scenario Cards

Instructions: Read each scenario carefully. In your group, discuss and identify at least two verbal cues and two non-verbal cues. Then, explain what those cues suggest about your friend's feelings or reaction to what you are saying or doing. Use the space provided to write your answers.

Scenario 1: Giving Advice

You tell your friend, "Maybe you should just try studying harder next time." Your friend's shoulders slump slightly, and they look down at their feet. They say softly, "Yeah, maybe," in a slow, quiet voice.

Verbal Cues:

Non-Verbal Cues: