Lesson Plan
Navigating Social Cues
Students will be able to identify and interpret common social cues in group interactions, enhancing their ability to respond appropriately in various social situations.
Understanding social cues is crucial for effective communication and building strong relationships. This lesson will equip students with practical skills to better navigate social dynamics and prevent misunderstandings.
Audience
11th Grade
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and scenario-based practice.
Materials
Prep
Preparation Steps
10 minutes
- Review the Navigating Social Cues Lesson Plan and all generated materials to ensure familiarity with the content and activities.
- Print and cut out the Scenario Cards for group activity.
- Make copies of the Social Cues Worksheet for each student.
Step 1
Introduction (2 minutes)
2 minutes
- Begin by asking students what social cues are and why they are important. (Refer to Social Cues Slide Deck - Slide 1)
- Briefly introduce the objective of the session.
Step 2
What Are Social Cues? (3 minutes)
3 minutes
- Present slides on different types of social cues (verbal, non-verbal, environmental). (Refer to Social Cues Slide Deck - Slides 2-4)
- Provide examples for each type and encourage students to share their own experiences or observations.
Step 3
Scenario Practice (7 minutes)
7 minutes
- Divide students into small groups (if not already in one).
- Distribute Scenario Cards to each group. Each card describes a social situation.
- Instruct groups to discuss the scenario, identify the social cues present, and determine an appropriate response. (Refer to Social Cues Slide Deck - Slide 5)
- Circulate among groups to facilitate discussion and provide guidance.
Step 4
Wrap-up & Reflection (3 minutes)
3 minutes
- Bring the groups back together.
- Ask each group to briefly share one scenario and their conclusions.
- Distribute the Social Cues Worksheet as an exit ticket for individual reflection. (Refer to Social Cues Slide Deck - Slide 6)
- Conclude by reiterating the importance of practicing social cue recognition.
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Activity
Scenario Cards
Instructions: Read each scenario carefully. In your group, identify the verbal, non-verbal, and environmental social cues. Discuss what the person is really communicating and how you would respond appropriately.
Scenario 1: The Group Project Deadline
Your group has a big project due tomorrow. One of your group members, Alex, has been quiet during your last few meetings. Today, during your final check-in, Alex has their arms crossed, is looking down at their phone, and responds to questions with short, one-word answers like "Fine" or "Okay." When you ask if they've finished their part, they mumble, "Yeah, almost." You notice their eyes darting around the room.
Cues to consider:
- Verbal: "Fine," "Okay," "Yeah, almost" (tone, volume)
- Non-verbal: Arms crossed, looking at phone, looking down, darting eyes, mumbling
- Environmental: Big project deadline, final check-in
Discussion: What might Alex be feeling or trying to communicate? How should your group respond to ensure the project is completed and to support Alex?
Scenario 2: The New Student
A new student, Maria, has joined your class. During lunch, you see her sitting alone at a table, scrolling through her phone. She occasionally looks up, makes brief eye contact with groups of students, and then quickly looks back down. When a teacher walks by and asks if she's enjoying the school, she gives a small, quick smile and says, "It's good, thanks," but her voice is soft and she keeps her shoulders slightly hunched.
Cues to consider:
- Verbal: "It's good, thanks" (soft voice, quick response)
- Non-verbal: Sitting alone, scrolling phone, brief eye contact, looking down, small quick smile, hunched shoulders
- Environmental: New school, lunchroom setting
Discussion: What might Maria be feeling or trying to communicate? How could you or your friends approach Maria to make her feel more welcome?
Scenario 3: The Exciting News
Your friend, Sam, runs up to you in the hallway. Their eyes are wide, they're speaking very quickly, and their hands are gesturing wildly as they tell you about something exciting that happened in their after-school club. They keep interrupting themselves and laughing loudly, occasionally bumping into other students without noticing.
Cues to consider:
- Verbal: Speaking very quickly, interrupting self, laughing loudly
- Non-verbal: Wide eyes, gesturing wildly, bumping into others without noticing
- Environmental: Busy hallway, after-school club context
Discussion: What might Sam be feeling or trying to communicate? How should you respond to Sam's excitement, and what might you do if their behavior is disrupting others?
Worksheet
Social Cues Worksheet: Your Social Detective Notes
Instructions: Reflect on today's lesson and the scenarios we discussed. Answer the questions below to deepen your understanding of social cues.
Part 1: Quick Check-in
-
In your own words, what is a social cue?
-
Name three different types of social cues and give a quick example for each.
- Type 1:
Example: - Type 2:
Example: - Type 3:
Example:
- Type 1:
Part 2: Real-Life Reflection
-
Think about a recent conversation you had (with a friend, family member, teacher, or even someone you just observed). Describe a specific social cue you noticed. Was it verbal, non-verbal, or environmental? What did that cue tell you about the situation or the person?
-
Why is it important to pay attention to social cues in your daily interactions?
Part 3: What Would You Do?
-
Imagine a friend tells you they're "stressed out," but they have a big smile on their face and are tapping their foot rapidly. What social cues are conflicting here? Which cue would you trust more, and how would you respond?
-
If you notice someone seems uncomfortable in a group conversation (e.g., they're quiet, avoiding eye contact, or looking at the door), what is one thing you could do or say to help them feel more at ease?
Slide Deck
Unlocking Social Signals
What are Social Cues?
**Think: What are some social cues you've noticed today?
Welcome students and introduce the concept of social cues. Ask them what they already know or think social cues are. Explain that understanding these cues helps us interact better with others.
Verbal Cues: More Than Just Words
It's Not Just What You Say, But How You Say It!
Example: Someone says "I'm fine" through gritted teeth. What's the real message?
Explain verbal cues as the 'what' and 'how' of spoken words. Emphasize tone and volume. Give examples.
Non-Verbal Cues: The Body's Language
What Does Your Body Say?
Activity: Can you show me how you'd look if you were confused? Excited?
Introduce non-verbal cues. Stress the importance of body language, facial expressions, and eye contact. Engage students by asking them to demonstrate some non-verbal cues.
Environmental Cues: Setting the Scene
Where Are We, and What's Happening?
Question: How might someone's social cues differ at a loud concert compared to a quiet study group?
Briefly touch upon environmental cues and how context changes the meaning of social cues. Ask students for examples of how a person might act differently in a library versus a football game.
Putting It Together: Scenario Time!
Your Mission:
Be ready to share your insights!
Explain the scenario activity. Instruct students to work in small groups, discuss the scenarios provided on the cards, and identify all types of cues before deciding on the best response.
Reflect & Connect
What Did We Learn?
Your Challenge:
Keep practicing your detective skills!
Facilitate a brief group share-out. Distribute the Social Cues Worksheet as a cool-down/exit ticket. Emphasize that practicing these skills helps in all aspects of life.