Lesson Plan
Soft Skills Superpowers
Students will identify and practice four essential soft skills—communication, active listening, teamwork, and empathy—through engaging group tasks and reflections, building habits they can apply in class and everyday life.
Soft skills are vital for collaboration, relationship-building, and future success. Introducing and practicing these skills in 7th grade lays the foundation for confident, effective learners and communicators.
Audience
7th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Hands-on group activities with guided reflection
Materials
Whiteboard and Markers, Timer or Stopwatch, Soft Skills Scenario Cards, Empathy Meter Chart, Teamwork Challenge Worksheet, and Active Listening Checklist
Prep
Prepare and Review Materials
10 minutes
- Print and cut out the Soft Skills Scenario Cards.
- Photocopy the Teamwork Challenge Worksheet for each group.
- Print the Empathy Meter Chart and post on the wall or distribute mini-copies.
- Review the Active Listening Checklist and ensure you understand each step.
- Arrange tables/chairs for small-group work and set up the whiteboard and timer.
Step 1
Introduction and Learning Goals
5 minutes
- Greet students and explain that today they’ll build their soft skills superpowers: communication, active listening, teamwork, and empathy.
- Write the four skills on the whiteboard and briefly define each.
- Share the objectives: practice each skill through interactive tasks and reflect on how to apply them in real life.
Step 2
Active Listening Warm-Up
7 minutes
- Pair students and give each pair an Active Listening Checklist.
- Assign roles: Speaker and Listener.
- Speaker shares a recent personal experience for 1 minute; Listener uses the checklist to guide paraphrasing and asking open questions.
- After 2 minutes, partners switch roles.
- Debrief: Ask a few volunteers how the checklist helped them focus on listening.
Step 3
Teamwork Challenge
10 minutes
- Form groups of four and distribute the Teamwork Challenge Worksheet.
- Explain the quick design challenge (e.g., build the tallest paper tower using limited supplies).
- Assign roles within each group: Facilitator, Recorder, Builder, Timekeeper.
- Use the worksheet to plan, assign tasks, and reflect on team communication and decision-making.
- After 8 minutes, have groups share one success and one area to improve.
Step 4
Scenario Role-Play
5 minutes
- Hand each group one of the Soft Skills Scenario Cards.
- Give groups 2 minutes to plan a short role-play demonstrating the scenario (e.g., resolving a conflict).
- Perform quickly for the class. After each, classmates use the Empathy Meter Chart to rate how well empathy was shown (1–5) and offer one positive note.
Step 5
Debrief and Reflection
3 minutes
- Lead a whole-class discussion: Which skill was most challenging? Which felt most natural?
- Ask students to write one personal goal on the board: how they will practice a soft skill this week.
- Summarize key takeaways and encourage students to look for “superpower” moments in everyday interactions.
Lesson Plan
Real Talk Skills Lesson Plan
Students will practice three essential soft skills—communication, teamwork, and empathy—through interactive group tasks and reflections, building habits to apply in class and everyday life.
Soft skills like clear communication, effective teamwork, and empathy are vital for positive relationships and real-world success; practicing them in 7th grade fosters confident, collaborative learners.
Audience
7th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Hands-on group activities with guided reflection
Materials
Whiteboard and Markers, Timer or Stopwatch, Soft Skills Scenario Cards, Empathy Meter Chart, Teamwork Challenge Worksheet, and Active Listening Checklist
Prep
Prepare and Review Materials
10 minutes
- Print and cut out the Soft Skills Scenario Cards.
- Photocopy the Teamwork Challenge Worksheet for each group.
- Print the Empathy Meter Chart and post on the wall or distribute mini-copies.
- Review the Active Listening Checklist so you can guide students effectively.
- Arrange tables/chairs for small-group work and set up the whiteboard and timer.
Step 1
Introduction and Learning Goals
5 minutes
- Greet students and explain that today’s mission is to build their soft skills: communication, teamwork, and empathy.
- Write the three skills on the whiteboard and define each briefly.
- Share the objectives: practice each skill through group challenges and reflect on applying them in real life.
Step 2
Active Listening Warm-Up
7 minutes
- Pair students and give each pair an Active Listening Checklist.
- Assign roles: Speaker and Listener.
- Speaker shares a recent personal story for 1 minute; Listener follows the checklist to paraphrase and ask open questions.
- After 2 minutes, partners switch roles.
- Debrief: Invite volunteers to share how the checklist helped them focus and understand.
Step 3
Teamwork Challenge
10 minutes
- Form groups of four and distribute the Teamwork Challenge Worksheet.
- Explain the quick design challenge (e.g., build the tallest paper tower with limited supplies).
- Within each group, assign roles: Facilitator, Recorder, Builder, Timekeeper.
- Use the worksheet to plan, allocate tasks, and note communication strategies.
- After 8 minutes, each group shares one success and one area to improve.
Step 4
Scenario Role-Play
5 minutes
- Hand each group one of the Soft Skills Scenario Cards.
- Give groups 2 minutes to plan a short role-play demonstrating a scenario (e.g., resolving a conflict with empathy).
- Perform for the class. Classmates use the Empathy Meter Chart to rate empathy (1–5) and offer one positive note.
Step 5
Debrief and Reflection
3 minutes
- Lead a discussion: Which skill was easiest? Which was most challenging?
- Ask students to write on the board one personal goal for practicing a soft skill this week.
- Summarize key takeaways and encourage spotting “soft-skill superpowers” in daily interactions.
Slide Deck
Real Talk Skills
Exploring Communication, Teamwork, and Empathy
Welcome students! Greet them and set a positive tone. Explain: today we’ll unlock our soft skills superpowers—communication, teamwork, and empathy.
Today's Goals
- Practice clear communication
- Build effective teamwork
- Show empathy in our interactions
Highlight the purpose of the lesson. Emphasize real-world value and classroom application.
What Are Soft Skills?
Communication: Sharing ideas clearly and listening actively
Teamwork: Working together, sharing roles, and supporting each other
Empathy: Understanding and caring how others feel
Define each skill with examples. Invite quick student examples.
Active Listening Warm-Up
- Pair up: one Speaker, one Listener
- Speaker shares a recent story (1 minute)
- Listener uses the checklist: paraphrase & ask open questions
- Switch roles and repeat
- Debrief: How did listening closely feel?
Explain the warm-up and distribute the Active Listening Checklist. Model one quick example with a volunteer.
Teamwork Challenge
- Form groups of four
- Roles: Facilitator, Recorder, Builder, Timekeeper
- Build the tallest paper tower (8 minutes)
- Use the worksheet to plan & note strategies
- Share one success & one improvement
Introduce the design challenge. Assign roles within groups. Circulate and prompt reflection on communication.
Scenario Role-Play
- Each group gets a scenario card
- Plan a 1-minute role-play (2 minutes planning)
- Perform for class
- Classmates rate empathy (1–5) on the Empathy Meter
- Offer one positive note
Hand out Scenario Cards. Emphasize creativity and empathy. Time and prompt ratings.
Debrief & Reflection
- Which skill felt easiest? Most challenging?
- What will be your personal goal this week?
- Look for “soft-skill superpowers” in daily life!
Lead reflection questions. Encourage personal goal-setting. Summarize key takeaways and next steps.
Worksheet
Teamwork Challenge Worksheet
Group Members:
Date: ____________
1. Role Assignment
Facilitator:
Recorder:
Builder:
Timekeeper:
2. Design Your Paper Tower
a. Sketch your tower below:
b. Describe your key design features (materials used, structure, stability):
3. Plan of Action
Supplies Needed:
Step-by-Step Plan:
- ___________________________________
- ___________________________________
- ___________________________________
- ___________________________________
4. Teamwork Reflection
a. What communication strategies did your team use?
b. What worked well during the challenge?
c. What obstacles did you encounter, and how did you overcome them?
d. If you could do this activity again, what would you change?
5. Success & Improvement (Class Share-Out)
-
One Success Your Team Achieved:
_____________________________________ -
One Area to Improve Next Time:
__________________________________
Activity
Soft Skills Scenario Cards
Cut these cards and distribute one to each group. Each scenario prompts a short role-play demonstrating communication, teamwork, or empathy.
Card 1: Clarifying Instructions
Your group received confusing directions for a classroom project. Role-play how you would ask questions, confirm details, and ensure everyone understands the task.
Card 2: Resolving a Disagreement
Two teammates want different approaches for the same assignment. Role-play how to listen to each other, share ideas respectfully, and reach a decision together.
Card 3: Missing Supplies
One member forgot to bring essential materials, and time is running out. Role-play how to address the problem kindly, redistribute tasks, and keep the project moving.
Card 4: Welcoming a New Student
A new classmate seems nervous and isolated. Role-play how to introduce yourselves, ask open questions, and show empathy to help them feel included.
Card 5: Encouraging a Nervous Presenter
A teammate is anxious about speaking in front of the class. Role-play how to offer support, share tips, and boost their confidence.
Card 6: Sharing Leadership
Your group needs a facilitator for a debate activity, but no one is volunteering. Role-play how to communicate roles, encourage participation, and build teamwork.
Card 7: Handling Hurt Feelings
A friend in your group felt offended by a comment. Role-play how to apologize sincerely, listen to their perspective, and rebuild trust.
Card 8: Planning a Class Event
Your team is organizing a fun event and must assign tasks fairly. Role-play how to discuss strengths, divide responsibilities, and confirm everyone’s agreement.
Rubric
Soft Skills Reflection Rubric
Use this rubric to assess each student’s written reflection on the soft skills practiced today.
| Criteria | 4 – Exemplary | 3 – Proficient | 2 – Developing | 1 – Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarity of Expression | Reflection is exceptionally clear, well-organized, and concise; ideas flow logically. | Reflection is clear and organized; most ideas are easy to follow. | Reflection is somewhat clear but may be disorganized or vague in parts. | Reflection lacks clarity; ideas are hard to follow or poorly organized. |
| Depth of Reflection | Provides insightful analysis; identifies multiple personal strengths and areas for growth; supports observations with thoughtful examples. | Offers solid analysis; identifies at least one strength and one area for growth with some supporting examples. | Shows limited analysis; mentions strengths or challenges but lacks depth or concrete examples. | Reflection is superficial; statements are general with no supporting examples. |
| Application to Action | Proposes specific, realistic goals and clear action steps for applying soft skills in future situations. | Suggests general goals or steps for future application. | Mentions intentions to apply skills but lacks specificity or realistic steps. | No clear plan for applying skills beyond today’s lesson. |
Total Score: ____ / 12
Worksheet
Empathy Meter Chart
Use this chart during each group’s scenario role-play. Rate how well empathy was shown (1 = low, 5 = high) and write one positive note.
| Scenario | Empathy Rating (1–5) | One Positive Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Clarifying Instructions | ____ / 5 | |
| 2. Resolving a Disagreement | ____ / 5 | |
| 3. Missing Supplies | ____ / 5 | |
| 4. Welcoming a New Student | ____ / 5 | |
| 5. Encouraging a Nervous Presenter | ____ / 5 | |
| 6. Sharing Leadership | ____ / 5 | |
| 7. Handling Hurt Feelings | ____ / 5 | |
| 8. Planning a Class Event | ____ / 5 |
Worksheet
Active Listening Checklist
Use this checklist during partner conversations. Put a ✔ next to each behavior you practice and write notes or examples in the space provided.
| Behavior | ✔ | Notes / Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Face the speaker and maintain eye contact | [ ] | |
| Avoid interrupting; let the speaker finish | [ ] | |
| Paraphrase the speaker’s words in your own words | [ ] | Paraphrase: ______________________________________________ |
| Ask open-ended questions to learn more | [ ] | Question: ________________________________________________ |
| Provide supportive verbal cues (e.g., “I see,” “Go on”) | [ ] | |
| Notice and respond to the speaker’s emotions | [ ] | |
| Summarize key points at the end | [ ] |
Reflection:
After your conversation, answer the questions below:
- Which active listening behavior was easiest for you?
- Which behavior was most challenging, and how can you improve?
- How did using this checklist affect your understanding of your partner’s story?