Lesson Plan
Reading the Room Session 1 Lesson Plan
Students will learn to identify key non-verbal cues of engagement and disengagement and practice observing them in real time.
Understanding non-verbal signals builds social awareness and helps adults with developmental disabilities respond appropriately in conversations, fostering stronger connections.
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
Reflection & Next Steps
Keep Practicing
Activity
Activity
