Lesson Plan
Reading Social Cues
Students will be able to identify and interpret social cues (verbal, non-verbal, situational) in various scenarios and understand their impact on social interactions.
Understanding social cues helps students navigate complex social situations, build empathy, and foster positive relationships with peers and adults. This skill is essential for effective communication and social-emotional well-being.
Audience
6th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Through scenario analysis and group discussion.
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
- Review the Reading Social Cues Lesson Plan and all linked materials.
- Print and cut out the Scenario Cards Activity (one set per small group).
- Ensure access to a projector or screen for the Social Cues Slide Deck.
Step 1
Warm-Up: What Do You See?
5 minutes
- Display the first slide of the Social Cues Slide Deck which has an image of people interacting.
- Ask students: 'What do you notice about the people in this picture? How do you think they are feeling? What makes you say that?'
- Facilitate a brief discussion about initial observations, introducing the idea of 'social cues.'
Step 2
Understanding Social Cues
5 minutes
- Present slides 2-4 of the Social Cues Slide Deck, explaining what social cues are (verbal, non-verbal, situational) and why they are important.
- Provide examples for each type of cue.
- Check for understanding with a quick Q&A.
Step 3
Activity: Social Detective Scenario Cards
15 minutes
- Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
- Distribute a set of Scenario Cards Activity to each group.
- Instruct groups to read each scenario and discuss the following:
- What social cues are present?
- What do these cues tell us about the situation or how people are feeling?
- What might be an appropriate response based on these cues?
- Circulate among groups to provide support and facilitate discussion.
Step 4
Debrief: Social Detective Insights
5 minutes
- Bring the groups back together for a whole-group debrief using the Social Detective Debrief Discussion prompts.
- Ask each group to share one scenario and their analysis.
- Emphasize key takeaways: social cues are everywhere, they help us understand others, and practice makes us better 'social detectives.'
Activity
Scenario Cards Activity
Instructions: Read each scenario with your group. Discuss the questions below for each card, paying close attention to the social cues.
For each scenario, discuss:
- What social cues do you notice? (Think verbal, non-verbal, and situational!)
- What do these cues tell you about what is happening or how people are feeling?
- What might be an appropriate and helpful response in this situation?
Scenario 1: The Group Project
You are working on a group project with three other classmates. Two of your teammates, Sarah and Ben, are leaning close together, whispering and giggling while looking at their phones. Mark is sitting quietly, staring at his blank paper, occasionally sighing heavily and fiddling with his pencil.
Scenario 2: Lunchroom Line
You are waiting in line for lunch. The person in front of you, Alex, keeps checking over their shoulder and tapping their foot rapidly. When the line moves slowly, Alex mumbles something under their breath and rolls their eyes. Another student accidentally bumps into Alex, who then sharply says, “Watch it!”
Scenario 3: The New Kid
A new student, Maya, just transferred to your class. During free reading time, Maya is sitting alone at a desk in the back of the room, looking down at her book but not turning any pages. When the teacher asks a question, Maya shrinks in her seat and avoids eye contact.
Scenario 4: Friendly Greeting
You see your friend, Sam, walking towards you in the hallway. You say, “Hey, Sam!” and wave. Sam looks at you, gives a very small, quick nod, but keeps walking past without stopping or saying anything, looking straight ahead with a tight-lipped expression.
Scenario 5: The Exciting News
Your classmate, Chloe, comes into class beaming. She’s practically bouncing in her seat, and as soon as the teacher isn’t looking, she whispers excitedly to the person next to her, gesturing wildly with her hands. She keeps checking the clock, tapping her fingers, and has a huge grin on her face.
Discussion
Social Detective Debrief Discussion
Instructions: Let's come back together as a whole group and share our insights from the Scenario Cards activity. Each group will share their analysis of one scenario.
Discussion Prompts:
-
Group Share: Which scenario did your group discuss, and what were the most important social cues you identified?
- Follow-up: What did those cues tell you about the situation or the people involved?
- Follow-up: What did those cues tell you about the situation or the people involved?
-
Appropriate Responses: Based on the social cues in your chosen scenario, what would be an appropriate and helpful way to respond? Why?
- Follow-up: How might a different response change the outcome of the situation?
- Follow-up: How might a different response change the outcome of the situation?
-
Real-Life Connection: Can you think of a time in your own life when noticing social cues helped you understand a situation better or know how to act?
- Follow-up: What happened when you didn't notice social cues?
- Follow-up: What happened when you didn't notice social cues?
-
Challenging Cues: What kind of social cues do you think are the hardest to read or understand? Why?
- Follow-up: What strategies can we use when social cues are confusing?
- Follow-up: What strategies can we use when social cues are confusing?
-
Becoming a Better Detective: What's one thing you will try to pay more attention to in social situations after today's lesson?
- Follow-up: How can practicing reading social cues help us build better friendships and be more understanding people?
- Follow-up: How can practicing reading social cues help us build better friendships and be more understanding people?
Slide Deck
Becoming a Social Detective!
What do you notice about the people in this picture? How do you think they are feeling? What makes you say that?
Welcome students and set a positive tone. Ask them to observe the image and share what they notice about the people's feelings and interactions.
What Are Social Cues?
Social Cues are like secret messages!
Define social cues clearly. Explain that they are signals people give off, sometimes without even realizing it.
Types of Social Cues: Verbal
How people say things!
Explain verbal cues and give a few quick examples. Emphasize how things are said.
Types of Social Cues: Non-Verbal
What people do without words!
Explain non-verbal cues. This is a big one! Give examples for each.
Types of Social Cues: Situational
What's happening around us!
Explain situational cues. Give examples like library vs. playground, or classroom vs. assembly.
Why Are Social Cues Important?
Being a good 'social detective' helps you:
Briefly summarize why these skills are important for their lives.
Activity: Social Detective Scenario Cards
Your Mission:
Explain the upcoming activity clearly. Ensure they understand they will work in groups.
Keep Being a Social Detective!
Remember:
What's one new thing you learned about social cues today?
Conclude the lesson by reinforcing the main message and encouraging continued practice.