Silent Voices Unite

UQ

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Silent Connections Lesson Plan

Students will learn about Autism Spectrum Disorder and non-verbal communication strengths, then practice empathy and inclusive strategies through interactive activities.

Building awareness of non-verbal peers fosters empathy, social-emotional growth, and a more supportive classroom where all students feel valued.

Audience

7th Grade Middle School Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Hands-on handouts, role-play relays, and group brainstorming.

Materials

Autism Facts Handout, - Emoji Communication Cards, - Inclusive Communication Poster Template, - Chart Paper and Markers, and - Projector or Smartboard

Prep

Teacher Preparation

5 minutes

Review the Silent Connections Lesson Plan.
Print copies of Autism Facts Handout, Emoji Communication Cards, and Inclusive Communication Poster Template.
Prepare chart paper and markers or set up the digital whiteboard/projector.

Step 1

Introduction to ASD

5 minutes

Distribute the Autism Facts Handout.
Present a brief overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder and define "non-verbal communication."
Invite students to share any prior knowledge or observations about non-verbal peers.

Step 2

Gesture Relay Activity

10 minutes

Pair students up and give each pair a set of Emoji Communication Cards.
One student uses only the cards and gestures to communicate an emotion or simple message; the partner guesses.
After 5 minutes, partners switch roles and repeat.

Step 3

Group Discussion

7 minutes

Bring everyone back together and facilitate a discussion.
Ask: "How did it feel to rely on gestures and images?" and "Which strategies helped you understand each other?"
Highlight insights about patience, clarity, and active observation.

Step 4

Strategy Brainstorm

8 minutes

In small groups, students brainstorm three classroom strategies to support non-verbal peers.
Use chart paper or the digital whiteboard to create an "Inclusive Communication Poster" using the Inclusive Communication Poster Template.
Each group shares one strategy; compile all ideas into a final class poster.

Slide Deck

Silent Connections

Understanding Non-Verbal Communication

A 30-minute lesson on Autism Spectrum Disorder and supporting non-verbal peers.

Welcome students! Today we’ll explore Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and learn about the communication strengths of our non-verbal peers. Explain that by the end of this lesson, everyone will have practiced empathy and developed strategies to include classmates who use non-verbal communication.

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will:
• Understand key facts about ASD and non-verbal communication
• Practice expressing and interpreting messages without words
• Share observations and feelings in a group discussion
• Create strategies to support non-verbal classmates

Read the objectives aloud and briefly explain each:

Learn basic facts about ASD and non-verbal communication.
Experience communicating without words.
Discuss insights and feelings.
Brainstorm inclusive strategies.

Introduction to ASD

• Use the Autism Facts Handout
• ASD = a spectrum of neurological differences
• “Non-verbal” means choosing or needing ways other than speech to communicate
• Think of all the ways you’ve communicated without words

Distribute the Autism Facts Handout now. Give students 2 minutes to skim, then highlight:
– What ASD means
– Why some individuals are non-verbal
– Examples of other ways we can communicate (gestures, pictures, sign language)

Gesture Relay Activity

Form pairs and get a set of Emoji Communication Cards.
Student A picks an emotion or message card and uses only that card + gestures to convey it.
Student B guesses.
After 5 minutes, switch roles and repeat.

Explain the rules step by step. Monitor time and encourage clear gestures and creative use of cards. After 5 minutes, prompt pairs to switch roles. Walk around and note effective strategies.

Group Discussion

• How did it feel to rely on gestures and images?
• Which strategies helped you understand each other best?
• In what ways might these strategies help our non-verbal classmates?

Bring everyone back together. Read each question and invite 2–3 volunteers to respond. Emphasize patience, observation, and the power of non-verbal cues.

Strategy Brainstorm

• In small groups, brainstorm 3 classroom strategies to support non-verbal peers.
• Use the Inclusive Communication Poster Template on chart paper.
• Include drawings or keywords that explain each strategy.

Explain that each group will create a visual poster with three strategies. Remind them to consider clarity, patience, and alternative tools. Circulate to support and prompt deeper thinking.

Closing & Reflection

Thank you for participating! Remember:
• We all communicate in many ways.
• Small changes can make our class more inclusive.
• Keep practicing patience and creativity.

What is one thing you’ll try tomorrow?

Wrap up by summarizing the class-generated strategies. Encourage students to apply these ideas every day. Ask for one final takeaway from a volunteer.

Lesson Plan

Silent Voices Unite

Students will explore Autism Spectrum Disorder and non-verbal communication, practice expressing and interpreting messages without speech, and develop inclusive strategies to support two classmates (ages 8 and 13) who communicate non-verbally.

This lesson fosters empathy and social inclusion by helping students understand and adapt to non-verbal communication styles of peers on the autism spectrum, empowering them with practical strategies to ensure every voice is heard.

Audience

7th Grade Middle School Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive activities, role-play, and collaborative brainstorming.

Materials

Autism Facts Handout, - Emoji Communication Cards, - Inclusive Communication Poster Template, - Chart Paper and Markers, and - Projector or Smartboard

Prep

Teacher Preparation

5 minutes

Review the Silent Voices Unite Lesson Plan.
Print copies of Autism Facts Handout, Emoji Communication Cards, and Inclusive Communication Poster Template.
Gather chart paper and markers or set up the digital whiteboard/projector.

Step 1

Introduction to Non-Verbal Communication

5 minutes

Distribute the Autism Facts Handout.
Present a concise overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder and define "non-verbal communication."
Invite students to share any observations or questions about classmates who communicate without words.

Step 2

Gesture Relay Activity

10 minutes

Pair students and give each pair a set of Emoji Communication Cards.
Student A selects a card and uses only that card plus gestures to convey the emotion or message; Student B guesses.
After 5 minutes, partners switch roles and repeat the activity.

Step 3

Group Discussion

7 minutes

Reconvene as a whole class.
Ask: "How did it feel to rely on gestures and images?" and "Which strategies helped you understand each other best?"
Highlight key insights about patience, clarity, and active observation.

Step 4

Inclusive Strategy Brainstorm

8 minutes

In small groups, brainstorm three classroom strategies to support non-verbal peers.
Use the Inclusive Communication Poster Template on chart paper or the digital whiteboard to illustrate each strategy.
Have each group present one strategy; compile all ideas into a final class poster for display.

Slide Deck

Silent Voices Unite

Recognizing and supporting non-verbal peers on the autism spectrum
30-minute lesson for 7th Grade

Welcome students! Today we explore Autism Spectrum Disorder, focusing on classmates who communicate without words. By the end, we'll practice empathy, communication strategies, and inclusive actions.

Lesson Objectives

• Understand Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and non-verbal communication
• Practice expressing and interpreting messages without speech
• Discuss feelings and strategies in groups
• Develop inclusive strategies to support non-verbal classmates

Read the objectives aloud and briefly explain each. Make sure students understand what they will learn and why.

What is ASD and Non-Verbal Communication?

• ASD = neurological differences affecting social interaction and communication
• Some individuals communicate without words (“non-verbal”)
• We use gestures, pictures, sign language, technology

Distribute the Autism Facts Handout. Give students 2 minutes to skim. Highlight:
– What ASD means
– Why some individuals are non-verbal
– Examples of other ways to communicate (gestures, pictures, sign language)

Gesture Relay Activity

Pair up and take an Emoji Communication Cards set
Student A chooses a card, uses only that card + gestures to convey the message
Student B guesses the message
After 5 minutes, switch roles

Explain the steps clearly. Monitor pairs, encourage creativity and clarity in gestures. After 5 minutes, prompt pairs to switch roles and continue.

Group Discussion

• How did it feel to rely on gestures and images?
• Which strategies helped you understand each other?
• How can these strategies support our non-verbal classmates?

Lead the discussion by reading each question aloud. Invite 2-3 volunteers to share their responses. Emphasize patience, observation, and the power of non-verbal cues.

Inclusive Strategy Brainstorm

• In small groups, list 3 strategies to support non-verbal peers
• Use the Inclusive Communication Poster Template
• Include drawings or key words for each strategy

Divide students into small groups. Provide chart paper or digital whiteboard and the Inclusive Communication Poster Template. Circulate to prompt deeper thinking about clarity, patience, and alternative tools.

Closing & Reflection

Thank you for participating!
• We all communicate in many ways
• Small changes make a big difference

What is one thing you’ll try tomorrow?

Summarize the class-generated strategies and reinforce key takeaways. Ask one student to share one action they’ll try tomorrow. Encourage ongoing practice and empathy.

Worksheet

Autism Facts Handout

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological difference that affects how people communicate, learn, and interact with others.
In your own words, define ASD:

Understanding Non-Verbal Communication

Non-verbal communication means sharing messages without using spoken words. This can include gestures, pictures, sign language, or communication devices.
List three ways someone might communicate non-verbally:

__________________________
__________________________
__________________________

Why Use Non-Verbal Communication?

People might use non-verbal communication because:

Speaking can be hard or tiring.
They prefer pictures, gestures, or symbols.
They use technology to share ideas.
Reflect: Why might non-verbal communication be helpful?

Supporting Non-Verbal Peers

We can show respect and support by:

Giving our full attention.
Being patient and waiting for a response.
Using clear gestures or visuals.
Brainstorm two ways you can help a non-verbal classmate:

__________________________
__________________________

Activity

Emoji Communication Cards

Print this page and cut along the lines to create individual emotion cards. Use these cards during the Gesture Relay Activity: one student selects a card, shows the emoji, and uses only gestures (no words) to convey the feeling or message. Their partner guesses the emotion before switching roles.