Lesson Plan

Reading the Room Session 1 Lesson Plan

Students will learn to identify and interpret key non-verbal engagement cues using hands-on cards, record their observations, and reflect on their learning.

Recognizing non-verbal signals helps adults with developmental disabilities tune into others’ feelings, improving social awareness and conversational responsiveness.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Non-Verbal Cues

2 minutes

Step 2

Observation Exercise

5 minutes

Step 3

Role-Play Practice

5 minutes

Step 4

Reflection and Closing

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Session 1: Reading the Room – Non-Verbal Cues

What Are Non-Verbal Cues?

Why They Matter

Engagement vs. Disengagement – Examples

Observation Exercise

Role-Play Practice

Reflection & Next Steps

Worksheet

Activity

Journal

Lesson Plan

Reading the Room Session 2 Lesson Plan

Students will learn to identify verbal cues—such as tone, pace, and word choice—that signal engagement or disengagement, and practice recognizing them in context.

Attending to verbal signals builds listening skills and helps adults with developmental disabilities respond more thoughtfully, improving conversational flow and social connection.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Verbal Cues

2 minutes

Step 2

Listening Observation

5 minutes

Step 3

Role-Play Practice

5 minutes

Step 4

Reflection and Closing

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Session 2: Reading the Room – Verbal Cues

What Are Verbal Cues?

Why They Matter

Verbal Cue Examples

Listening Observation

Role-Play Practice

Reflection & Next Steps

Worksheet

Activity

Lesson Plan

Reading the Room Session 3 Lesson Plan

Students will learn to integrate non-verbal and verbal signals to accurately judge engagement levels and practice interpreting combined cues in context.

Combining both cue types gives a fuller picture of others’ feelings, enhancing social awareness and helping adults with developmental disabilities navigate real-world conversations.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Combined Cues

2 minutes

Step 2

Scenario Observation

5 minutes

Step 3

Role-Play Integration

5 minutes

Step 4

Reflection and Next Steps

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Session 3: Reading the Room – Combining Cues

What Are Combined Cues?

Why Combine Cues?

Combined Cue Examples

Scenario Observation

Role-Play Integration

Reflection & Next Steps

Worksheet

Lesson Plan

Reading the Room Session 4 Lesson Plan

Students will apply their knowledge of non-verbal and verbal cues in real-life conversation scenarios, using self-monitoring strategies to recognize engagement levels and adjust their responses on the spot.

Putting cue-reading into practice builds confidence in everyday interactions, deepens social awareness, and helps learners adapt in real time to others’ signals.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Review Key Skills

2 minutes

Step 2

Prompted Interaction Practice

6 minutes

Step 3

Self-Monitoring Role Switch

4 minutes

Step 4

Reflection & Closing

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Session 4: Reading the Room – Real-World Practice

Review of Engagement Cues

What Is Self-Monitoring?

Prompted Interaction Practice

Self-Monitoring Role Switch