Lesson Plan
Smile Signals Lesson Plan
In this 20-minute lesson, students will learn to interpret nonverbal signals—like smiles, posture, and tone—and practice applying them to build empathy and strengthen peer relationships.
Understanding nonverbal cues helps students navigate social interactions, fosters empathy, and builds stronger, supportive relationships in and out of the classroom.
Audience
4th Grade
Time
20 minutes
Approach
Students spot, discuss, act out, and reflect on nonverbal signals.
Materials
- Signal Spotting Cards, - Hidden Messages Slide Deck, - Freeze Frame Faces Activity Sheet, - Signal Journal Template, - Chart Paper and Markers, and - Assessment Questions Projected on the Board or Printed Handout
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print enough Signal Spotting Cards for each pair of students.
- Load the Hidden Messages Slide Deck onto the projector or interactive board.
- Photocopy the Freeze Frame Faces Activity Sheet and Signal Journal Template for each student.
- Prepare the four quick-check assessment questions on chart paper or a slide.
- Gather chart paper and markers and place them near the discussion area.
Step 1
Signal Spotting Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Briefly introduce nonverbal cues and explain how they convey feelings and intentions.
- Distribute Signal Spotting Cards to student pairs.
- Students examine their card, identify the nonverbal signal shown, and discuss possible meanings with their partner.
- Invite a few pairs to share their observations with the class.
Step 2
Hidden Messages Slide Deck
6 minutes
- Project the Hidden Messages Slide Deck.
- For each slide, ask students: What nonverbal cues do you notice? What might the person be feeling or thinking?
- Chart key signals and interpretations on chart paper using markers.
- Encourage students to reference posture, facial expression, and tone cues.
Step 3
Freeze Frame Faces Activity
5 minutes
- Hand out the Freeze Frame Faces Activity Sheet.
- In small groups, students choose an emotion illustrated on the sheet and create a "freeze frame" pose to represent it.
- Groups present their freeze frame while peers guess the emotion based on nonverbal cues alone.
- Rotate roles so each student leads at least one pose.
Step 4
Signal Journal Cool-Down
3 minutes
- Distribute the Signal Journal Template to each student.
- Prompt students to write one nonverbal signal they observed today and describe how recognizing it can help them connect with others.
- Invite volunteers to share their journal entry or reflections aloud.
Step 5
Assessment Quick Check
1 minute
- Project or display these four quick questions:
- What nonverbal cue shows someone is feeling friendly?
- What might crossed arms indicate about someone’s feelings?
- How can tone of voice reveal sarcasm?
- Why is recognizing nonverbal signals important in building empathy?
- Ask students to respond with thumbs-up/thumbs-down or call out answers.
Slide Deck
Slide 1: Friendly Welcome
Image: A student stands in the hallway with open arms and a big smile.
Discussion Prompts:
- What nonverbal signals do you notice?
- How might the student be feeling?
- How would you respond if someone greeted you this way?
Introduce the scenario by asking students to focus on the student’s posture and facial expression. Encourage them to use words like “open,” “welcoming,” and “friendly.”
Slide 2: Closed Off
Image: A classmate sits at a desk with arms crossed, shoulders raised, and a small frown.
Discussion Prompts:
- What does the student’s posture suggest?
- Could they be upset, bored, or defensive?
- How might you help this person feel more at ease?
Point out the crossed arms and the slight frown. Ask students how posture can change the meaning of words.
Slide 3: Feeling Bored
Image: A student slouches in their chair, head resting on one hand, looking away from the teacher.
Discussion Prompts:
- What signals show boredom or disinterest?
- Why might the student be feeling this way?
- What could you do to re-engage them?
Highlight the slouch and lack of eye contact. Invite students to think about energy levels.
Slide 4: Quiet and Shy
Image: A student stands alone by their locker, shoulders hunched and eyes looking down.
Discussion Prompts:
- What nonverbal cues suggest shyness or sadness?
- How could you approach this student to check on them?
Emphasize the downcast eyes and hunched shoulders. Discuss how these cues connect with emotions like shyness or sadness.
Slide 5: Sarcastic Praise
Image: Speech bubble reads “Great job!” while the speaker’s eyebrows are raised and lips turned up in a smirk.
Discussion Prompts:
- What in the expression and tone hints at sarcasm?
- How is this different from genuine praise?
- How would you respond if you heard this?
Note the subtle smirk and tone implied by the speech bubble. Ask students to think about how voice tone changes meaning.
Activity
Freeze Frame Faces Activity Sheet
Instructions: In your small group, choose one of the emotions below. Use the illustration as inspiration to create a "freeze frame" (a still pose) that shows that emotion. After your group performs your pose, record your observations and any tips for acting it out in the space provided.
- Happy
Illustration: Two friends jumping with arms wide and big smiles.
Group Notes:
- Sad
Illustration: A person sitting on a bench with head down and shoulders slumped.
Group Notes:
- Surprised
Illustration: Eyes wide open, mouth in an “O,” hands raised near the face.
Group Notes:
- Angry
Illustration: Furrowed brows, clenched fists, and a scowling mouth.
Group Notes:
- Shy
Illustration: Shoulders slightly hunched, eyes looking down, hands clasped.
Group Notes:
- Excited
Illustration: Body leaning forward, hands in the air, wide grin.
Group Notes:
Journal
Signal Journal Template
Use this journal to reflect on the nonverbal signals you notice and practice using them to build stronger connections.
1. Today’s Nonverbal Discovery
Describe one nonverbal signal you observed during our lesson (a smile, posture, tone, or gesture). What did you notice?
2. What Might It Mean?
Explain what emotion or message you think this signal was conveying. How did you come to that interpretation?
3. Building Empathy
How could recognizing this signal help you understand someone’s feelings or support a friend in need? Give a specific example.
4. My Nonverbal Moment
Recall a time when you used your own nonverbal cues (smile, body language, tone) to communicate. What happened, and how did others respond?
5. Skill Goal
Choose one nonverbal skill to practice this week (e.g., making eye contact, using an open posture, matching tone). How will you use it in class or at home?