Social Signals Safari Script

Slide 1: Welcome to Social Signals Safari!

Teacher: "Good morning, class! Today, we're going on an exciting adventure, a 'Social Signals Safari'! Has anyone ever heard of a safari before? It's usually a trip to observe wild animals, but our safari today is a bit different. We're going to observe something very important about how people communicate."

Teacher: "Think about it: What are some ways we talk to each other without even using words? Take a moment to think, and then share your ideas with a partner."

Slide 2: What Are Social Signals?

Teacher: "Fantastic ideas, everyone! You've already started to think like social signal experts. Today, we're going to learn all about social signals. These are the clues people give us about how they're feeling, what they're thinking, or what they might want, all without saying a single word."

Teacher: "We'll focus on three big clues: Body Language, which is how your body moves; Facial Expressions, what your face shows; and Tone of Voice, how you sound when you speak. These are super important for understanding others!"

Slide 3: Body Language Detectives

Teacher: "Let's be body language detectives! Look at the image on the slide. What do you see? If someone has their arms crossed, what might that tell you? Or if their shoulders are slumped down? What about someone jumping up and down?"

Teacher: "Can someone show me what 'excited' body language looks like? How about 'tired' body language? Great job! We pick up on these signals all the time, even without realizing it."

Slide 4: Face Facts: Reading Emotions

Teacher: "Now let's look at our faces! Our faces are like billboards for our feelings. A smile usually means...? Yes, happy! What about a frown? And wide eyes?"

Teacher: "Let's try a quick activity. Everyone, make a happy face! Now a surprised face! How about a confused face? You're all experts at showing emotions with your faces!"

Slide 5: The Sound of Feelings

Teacher: "The way we say words, our tone of voice, can change everything! Imagine saying, 'Great job!' one way, and then saying 'Great job...' another way. Did you notice the difference?"

Teacher: "One tone might sound excited and happy, like you really mean it. The other might sound sarcastic or like you don't really care. Our tone of voice is a huge social signal!"

Slide 6: Why Are Social Signals Important?

Teacher: "So, why do we need to be good at reading these social signals? Why is it important to pay attention to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice?"

Teacher: "It helps us understand how others are feeling, know when a friend might need help, communicate better with everyone around us, and build really strong, kind relationships. It helps us be empathetic!"

Slide 7: Time for Safari Practice!

Teacher: "You've all done a fantastic job learning about social signals! Now, it's time to put your detective skills to the test. We're going to do an activity where you'll get to practice reading these clues."

Teacher: "We're going to work in small groups and look at different scenarios. Your job will be to figure out what social signals are being sent and what they might mean."

Slide 8: You're a Social Signal Expert!

Teacher: "Wow, what an amazing safari we've had today! You're all becoming true social signal experts. Remember to keep practicing these skills. Pay attention to people's body language, notice their facial expressions, and listen to their tone of voice."

Teacher: "When you do this, you help everyone understand each other better, and you help make our classroom and our world a kinder place. Keep up the great work!"

Body Language Charades Game

Goal: Guess the emotion or situation being acted out using only body language!

Instructions:

1. One student will choose a card and act out the emotion or situation written on it. Remember, no talking or sounds allowed!
2. The other students will observe the actor's body language, facial expressions, and movements.
3. When you think you know what is being acted out, raise your hand and make a guess.
4. The actor will confirm if the guess is correct.
5. Take turns acting and guessing!

Charades Cards (Cut these out!)

• Happy/Excited
• Sad/Upset
• Angry/Frustrated
• Scared/Nervous
• Confused/Puzzled
• Tired/Sleepy
• Proud/Confident
• Shy/Embarrassed
• Bored/Uninterested
• Surprised/Shocked
• Listening Carefully
• Waiting Impatiently
• Feeling Left Out
• Trying to Help Someone
• Celebrating a Win

Social Signals Scenario Cards Activity

Instructions: In your groups, read each scenario card. Discuss the questions below for each scenario. Be ready to share your thoughts and even act out the scenario if you like!

Scenario Card 1: The Quiet Friend

• Your friend, Alex, usually talks a lot during recess, but today they are sitting alone, looking down at their shoes, and aren't saying anything even when you ask them a question.

Discussion Questions:

1. What non-verbal cues (body language, facial expressions, tone of voice) do you observe from Alex?
   
   
   
2. What might Alex be feeling? Why do you think that?
   
   
   
3. How could you respond to Alex kindly and show you care?
   
   
   

Scenario Card 2: The Group Project Puzzle

• You are working on a group project. When one of your teammates, Maya, shares an idea, another teammate, Sam, rolls their eyes and sighs loudly.

Discussion Questions:

1. What non-verbal cues (body language, facial expressions, tone of voice) do you observe from Sam?
   
   
   
2. What might Sam be communicating to Maya? How do you think Maya might feel?
   
   
   
3. How could you (as another teammate) help resolve this situation kindly?
   
   
   

Scenario Card 3: The Excited Story

• Your classmate, Leo, is telling a story about something exciting that happened. He is speaking quickly, his eyes are wide, and he is gesturing a lot with his hands.

Discussion Questions:

1. What non-verbal cues (body language, facial expressions, tone of voice) do you observe from Leo?
   
   
   
2. What emotion is Leo most likely feeling?
   
   
   
3. How should you respond to Leo to show you are listening and engaged?
   
   
   

Scenario Card 4: The Confused Look

• During a math lesson, the teacher explains a new concept. You notice your friend, Chloe, has her eyebrows furrowed, her lips slightly pursed, and she keeps looking from the board to her notebook with a puzzled expression.

Discussion Questions:

1. What non-verbal cues (body language, facial expressions, tone of voice) do you observe from Chloe?
   
   
   
2. What might Chloe be feeling or thinking?
   
   
   
3. What could you do to help Chloe, or how could you approach the teacher about her?
   
   
   

Scenario Card 5: The Annoyed Sibling

• You accidentally knock over your sibling's block tower. They cross their arms tightly, glare at you, and say in a very low, stiff voice, "You always do that." Although their words are simple, their body and tone suggest strong feelings.

Discussion Questions:

1. What non-verbal cues (body language, facial expressions, tone of voice) do you observe?
   
   
   
2. What emotion is your sibling most likely feeling?
   
   
   
3. How could you apologize and make the situation better, considering their social signals?