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Social Savvy Chat

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Kathleen Giorgio

Tier 2

Lesson Plan

Social Savvy Chat Lesson Plan

Students will practice active listening, empathy, and respectful communication through structured conversation and scenario-based role-plays to strengthen peer relationships.

Building these social skills helps 12th graders navigate real-world interactions, fostering collaboration, empathy, and stronger peer connections for personal and academic success.

Audience

12th Grade Tier 2 Group

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and role-play

Materials

  • Discussion Scenarios Cards, - Active Listening Tips Poster, - Stopwatch or Timer, and - Notepads and Pens

Prep

Teacher Preparation

5 minutes

  • Print and cut out Discussion Scenarios Cards.
  • Post or display the Active Listening Tips Poster.
  • Set up a stopwatch or timer for the session.
  • Review all scenario prompts to anticipate student questions.

Step 1

Warm-Up

2 minutes

  • Greet students warmly and explain the session’s goal: strengthening social skills.
  • Lead a quick breathing or stretching exercise to help everyone focus.

Step 2

Guided Discussion

3 minutes

  • Display the Active Listening Tips Poster.
  • Invite students to share one challenge they’ve faced in a conversation.
  • Model active listening by paraphrasing a student’s comment and asking a follow-up question.

Step 3

Scenario Role-Play

7 minutes

  • Pair up students and give each pair one card from the Discussion Scenarios Cards.
  • Instruct pairs to role-play their scenario, practicing active listening, empathy, and respectful responses.
  • Allow 3 minutes per student to play both roles, using the timer to keep on track.

Step 4

Reflection and Cool-Down

3 minutes

  • Reconvene as a full group and invite volunteers to share one key takeaway.
  • Ask each student to set a personal goal for applying these skills in real life.
  • Thank students for their participation and reinforce positive efforts.
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Slide Deck

Social Savvy Chat

15-Minute Tier 2 Discussion Group
12th Grade | Active Listening · Empathy · Respectful Communication

Welcome students warmly. Introduce yourself and explain that today’s goal is to strengthen social skills through active listening, empathy, and respectful communication.

Session Goals

• Practice key social skills: active listening, empathy, and respectful communication
• Strengthen peer relationships and real-world interactions

Point to the slide and read the objectives. Emphasize why these skills matter in friendships, college, and careers.

Warm-Up

• Take 30 seconds for deep breaths or gentle stretches
• Clear your mind and focus on today’s discussion

Lead a 30-second breathing or stretching exercise. Encourage students to focus on the present moment and set aside distractions.

Active Listening Tips

• Maintain eye contact and open posture
• Use verbal cues: “I see,” “Go on,” “Tell me more”
• Paraphrase: “So you’re saying…?”
• Ask open-ended questions to deepen understanding

Display the Active Listening Tips Poster as you discuss each bullet. Ask students to give an example of each tip.

Scenario Role-Play

• Pair up and choose a card from the Discussion Scenarios Cards
• Role-play each scenario for 3 minutes per person
• Practice active listening, empathy, and respectful responses

Explain the role-play format. Remind students to use the timer and switch roles after 3 minutes. Circulate to offer guidance.

Reflection & Cool-Down

• Share one key takeaway with the group
• Write a personal social goal for this week
• Thank you for your participation!

Invite volunteers to share takeaways and personal goals. Encourage brief answers to stay within time. Praise students for their participation.

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Worksheet

Discussion Scenarios Cards

Cut along the lines to create individual scenario cards for pairs to role-play.

Scenario 1

Your friend looks upset after school but insists, “I’m fine.” Practice asking open-ended questions to understand how they really feel and show empathy.

Scenario 2

You and a classmate disagree on how to organize a group presentation. Practice using respectful communication to find common ground and agree on next steps.

Scenario 3

A peer keeps interrupting you whenever you speak. Practice addressing the interruption calmly and expressing how you’d like to be heard.

Scenario 4

You receive a text from a friend that feels harsh, but you’re not sure of their intent. Practice clarifying their meaning before reacting.

Scenario 5

A classmate forgot to include you in weekend plans. Practice expressing how that made you feel and listening to their explanation.

Scenario 6

You need to give constructive feedback on a peer’s essay. Practice using “I” statements and sandwiching suggestions between positive comments.

Scenario 7

A friend is stressed about upcoming exams but hasn’t asked for help. Practice active listening and offering support without pressuring them.

Scenario 8

You and a peer must decide on a lunch menu, but you have different dietary preferences. Practice negotiating respectfully and finding a compromise.

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lenny

Slide Deck

Active Listening Tips

• Maintain eye contact and open posture
• Use verbal cues: “I see,” “Go on,” “Tell me more”
• Paraphrase to show understanding: “So you’re saying…”
• Ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper sharing

Display this poster in the classroom to remind students of active listening strategies throughout the session.

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