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Social Skills Squad

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Lesson Plan

Listening Like a Pro

Students will be able to identify and practice active listening techniques in group settings to improve communication.

Effective listening is crucial for understanding others, building strong relationships, and resolving conflicts peacefully. Mastering this skill helps students connect better with peers and teachers.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and role-playing.

Materials

Listening Like a Pro Slide Deck

Prep

Review Materials

5 minutes

  • Review the Listening Like a Pro Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content and discussion points.
    - Prepare an example of a good listener and a poor listener to demonstrate during the lesson.

Step 1

Warm-Up: What Makes a Good Listener?

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students what they think makes a good listener.
    - Facilitate a brief discussion, encouraging students to share their initial thoughts and experiences.
    - Introduce the concept of active listening.

Step 2

Slide Presentation: Active Listening Techniques

7 minutes

  • Present the Listening Like a Pro Slide Deck focusing on key active listening techniques: eye contact, nodding, verbal affirmations, asking clarifying questions, and summarizing.
    - Provide clear examples for each technique.

Step 3

Practice Activity: Listen Up!

6 minutes

  • Divide students into pairs.
    - Give each pair a simple topic to discuss (e.g., their favorite hobby, a recent movie).
    - Instruct one student to speak for 1 minute while the other practices active listening.
    - After 1 minute, the listener must summarize what their partner said. Then, they switch roles.
    - Circulate and provide feedback.

Step 4

Wrap-Up: Reflect and Share

2 minutes

  • Bring the group back together.
    - Ask students to share one active listening technique they found most helpful or challenging.
    - Emphasize the importance of practicing these skills daily.
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Slide Deck

Listening Like a Pro

What does it mean to really listen?

  • Think about a time someone truly listened to you. How did it feel?
  • What's the difference between hearing and listening?

Welcome students and introduce the topic of listening. Ask them to think about what it means to truly listen to someone.

Active Listening

More Than Just Hearing

  • Active Listening means fully concentrating on what is being said rather than just passively 'hearing' the message.
  • It shows respect and helps you understand better.

Introduce the concept of active listening. Explain that it's a way to show someone you are fully engaged in what they are saying.

Technique 1: Eye Contact

Look Them in the Eye (Politly!)

  • Shows you're engaged.
  • Doesn't mean staring them down!
  • Makes the speaker feel heard.

Discuss eye contact. Explain that it shows you are paying attention, but not staring intently. Encourage natural eye contact.

Technique 2: Body Language & Sounds

Nod Your Head, Say 'Uh-Huh'

  • Nodding: Shows you're following along.
  • Verbal Affirmations: "Mm-hmm," "I see," "Okay."
  • These signals tell the speaker you're engaged.

Explain nodding and affirmative sounds. These non-verbal cues signal that you are following along and understanding.

Technique 3: Ask Questions

"Can You Tell Me More?"

  • Ask questions to better understand.
  • Shows you're interested, not just waiting to speak.
  • Helps avoid misunderstandings.

Talk about asking clarifying questions. This ensures understanding and shows genuine interest. Give examples of good clarifying questions.

Technique 4: Summarize

Repeat What You Heard

  • "So, if I understand correctly, you're saying..."
  • Helps you confirm you got the message right.
  • Shows the speaker you truly listened.

Explain summarizing. This is a powerful technique to confirm understanding and shows the speaker you truly grasped their message.

Activity: Listen Up!

Practice Time!

  • Find a partner.
  • One person speaks for 1 minute about a hobby.
  • The other practices active listening.
  • Then, summarize what your partner said.
  • Switch roles!

Introduce the activity. Explain the rules clearly and ensure students understand they will practice these techniques.

Reflect & Grow

What did you learn?

  • What active listening technique felt most natural?
  • What was challenging?
  • How can you use these skills every day?

Conclude by bringing students back together. Ask for reflections and emphasize the importance of using these skills.

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Lesson Plan

The Art of Starting Conversations

Students will learn and practice different strategies for initiating conversations with peers in various social settings.

Initiating conversations helps students build new friendships, connect with others, and participate more fully in social activities, reducing feelings of isolation.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Brainstorming, role-playing, and guided practice.

Materials

The Art of Starting Conversations Slide Deck

Prep

Prepare Examples

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Conversation Challenges

5 minutes

  • Ask students: "How do you usually start a conversation with someone you don't know well?" or "What makes it hard to start a conversation?"
    - Facilitate a brief discussion to gauge their current comfort levels and challenges.

Step 2

Slide Presentation: Conversation Starters Toolkit

7 minutes

  • Present the The Art of Starting Conversations Slide Deck, introducing different types of conversation starters: observation-based, question-based, compliment-based, and common interest-based.
    - Provide examples for each type and discuss when each might be most appropriate.

Step 3

Practice Activity: Start It Up!

6 minutes

  • Divide students into pairs or small groups.
    - Provide scenarios (e.g., waiting for class to start, at a school event, seeing someone new at lunch).
    - Students take turns practicing conversation starters based on the scenarios. Encourage them to try different types.
    - Circulate and offer constructive feedback.

Step 4

Wrap-Up: Key Takeaways

2 minutes

  • Ask students to share one new conversation starter they learned or tried.
    - Emphasize that practice makes perfect and encourage them to try these techniques outside of class.
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Slide Deck

The Art of Starting Conversations

Ever feel stuck?

  • How do you usually start talking to someone new?
  • What makes it difficult or awkward sometimes?

Welcome students and open with a question about starting conversations. This helps identify common challenges and build relevance.

Why Bother Starting?

Open Doors to New Friendships

  • Meeting new people.
  • Joining groups.
  • Feeling more confident!

Explain why learning to start conversations is important for friendships and social confidence.

Starter #1: Notice Something

Look Around You!

  • Observe something: "That's a cool backpack! Where did you get it?"
  • Comment on the situation: "This line for lunch is taking forever, right?"

Introduce the first type: Observation-based starters. Give a clear example.

Starter #2: Ask a Question

Get Them Talking!

  • Open-ended questions work best: (not just 'yes' or 'no' answers)
  • "What did you think of the homework?"
  • "Are you excited about the upcoming field trip?"

Introduce the second type: Question-based starters. Emphasize open-ended questions.

Starter #3: Give a Compliment

Make Their Day!

  • Be genuine: "That presentation was really well-done!"
  • "I really like your drawing, you're so talented!"

Introduce the third type: Compliment-based starters. Stress sincerity.

Starter #4: Shared Interests

Find Common Ground!

  • School club: "Are you also going to try out for the Drama Club?"
  • Sports: "Did you watch the game last night?"

Introduce the fourth type: Common interest starters. Connect to shared experiences.

Time to Practice!

Role Play Scenarios:

  • Scenario 1: You're sitting next to someone new in the library.
  • Scenario 2: You see a classmate in the hallway who you haven't talked to much.
  • Scenario 3: You're at a school event and want to join a group of peers.

Try out different starters!

Explain the practice activity clearly. Provide a few scenarios for students to use.

Your Conversation Journey

What worked for you?

  • Which starter will you try first?
  • Remember: Practice makes connecting easier!

Conclude by asking for reflections and encouraging real-world application.

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Lesson Plan

Understanding Body Language

Students will be able to identify and interpret common non-verbal cues (body language) and understand their impact on communication.

Understanding body language helps students read social situations better, empathize with others, and communicate more effectively, reducing misunderstandings.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Observational activities, discussion, and role-playing.

Materials

Understanding Body Language Slide Deck

Prep

Review Materials and Scenarios

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Silent Messages

5 minutes

  • Ask students: "How do people communicate without words?" or "Have you ever gotten a 'vibe' from someone without them saying anything?"
    - Facilitate a brief discussion about initial thoughts on non-verbal communication.
    - Briefly act out a few simple emotions (e.g., happiness, confusion, frustration) and ask students to guess the emotion.

Step 2

Slide Presentation: Decoding Non-Verbal Cues

7 minutes

  • Present the Understanding Body Language Slide Deck, introducing key aspects of body language: facial expressions, eye contact, posture, gestures, and personal space.
    - Discuss how different cues can convey different messages and how they can sometimes contradict verbal messages.
    - Provide clear examples for each, perhaps showing images if possible (teacher discretion).

Step 3

Practice Activity: Body Language Charades

6 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups.
    - Give each group a few emotion/situation cards (e.g., 'excited about a test', 'confused by instructions', 'feeling left out', 'welcoming a new student').
    - One student from the group silently acts out the emotion/situation using only body language. The others guess and explain what cues they observed.
    - Circulate and provide guidance, highlighting subtle cues.

Step 4

Wrap-Up: Being Mindful

2 minutes

  • Bring the group back together.
    - Ask students what they learned about paying attention to body language, both their own and others
  • Emphasize that body language is a powerful tool for communication and understanding.
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Slide Deck

Understanding Body Language

What are you saying without words?

  • How do people communicate without speaking?
  • Have you ever felt a 'vibe' from someone? What was it?

Welcome students and start with a question to engage them about non-verbal communication. Use a simple demonstration if comfortable.

More Than Just Words

The Silent Language

  • Body language is how we communicate non-verbally through our posture, gestures, facial expressions, and movements.
  • It can tell you a lot about how someone is feeling or what they're really thinking!

Explain that body language is a powerful part of communication, often more impactful than words. Introduce the idea of 'decoding' it.

Your Face Tells a Story

Facial Expressions

  • Happy, sad, angry, surprised, confused, excited...
  • Our faces are like billboards for our feelings!
  • Can you tell what someone is thinking just by looking at their face?

Discuss facial expressions. Point out how universal some expressions are, but also how cultural differences can exist. Ask for examples of how a smile can change meaning.

Windows to the Soul

Eye Contact

  • Direct eye contact usually means engagement and honesty.
  • Avoiding eye contact can mean shyness, discomfort, or dishonesty.
  • What's 'too much' eye contact? What's 'too little'?

Talk about eye contact. Discuss appropriate amounts of eye contact – not too much, not too little. Explain how it shows engagement or discomfort.

Stand Tall, Speak Out

Posture & Gestures

  • Open posture (arms uncrossed) usually means you're open and friendly.
  • Closed posture (arms crossed) can mean you're defensive or uncomfortable.
  • Hand gestures can add emphasis or show nervousness.

Discuss posture and gestures. Explain how 'open' vs. 'closed' body language can signal approachability or defensiveness. Give examples of common gestures.

Your Bubble of Space

Personal Space

  • The invisible 'bubble' around you.
  • How close is too close? It depends on the situation and relationship.
  • Respecting personal space shows respect for others.

Explain personal space. Discuss cultural differences and how invading someone's personal space can make them uncomfortable. Emphasize respecting boundaries.

Activity: Body Language Charades!

Guess the Emotion!

  • In small groups, pick an emotion/situation card.
  • Act it out using only your body language.
  • Your group guesses the emotion and explains what cues they saw.
  • No talking allowed for the actor!

Introduce the 'Body Language Charades' activity. Make sure students understand they can only use body language to convey the emotion/situation.

Your Non-Verbal Power

What did you discover?

  • What was the most surprising thing about body language?
  • How can you use this to understand others better?
  • How can you use it to communicate your feelings more clearly?

Bring the class back together for a final reflection. Ask students to share their biggest takeaways and how they might apply this knowledge.

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Lesson Plan

Handling Conflict Like a Pro

Students will learn and practice constructive strategies for resolving conflicts and expressing their needs respectfully.

Learning to handle conflict peacefully helps students maintain friendships, reduce stress, and develop problem-solving skills crucial for life.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Discussion, strategy-building, and role-playing.

Materials

Handling Conflict Like a Pro Slide Deck

Prep

Review Materials and Scenarios

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Conflict Corner

5 minutes

  • Ask students: "What does 'conflict' mean to you?" or "When do you usually experience conflict?"
    - Facilitate a brief discussion, letting students share their initial thoughts and feelings about conflict.

Step 2

Slide Presentation: Conflict Resolution Toolkit

7 minutes

  • Present the Handling Conflict Like a Pro Slide Deck, introducing key conflict resolution strategies: 'I' statements, active listening (recap), seeking common ground, and knowing when to ask for help.
    - Provide clear examples for each strategy.

Step 3

Practice Activity: Role-Play Resolution

6 minutes

  • Divide students into pairs or small groups.
    - Provide conflict scenarios (e.g., disagreeing on a group project, a friend borrowed something without asking, someone cut in line).
    - Students role-play the scenario, practicing the conflict resolution strategies. Encourage them to try different approaches.
    - Circulate and provide feedback, focusing on respectful communication and finding solutions.

Step 4

Wrap-Up: Your Conflict Plan

2 minutes

  • Bring the group back together.
    - Ask students to share one strategy they found most useful for handling conflict.
    - Emphasize that resolving conflict is a skill that improves with practice and leads to stronger relationships.
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Slide Deck

Handling Conflict Like a Pro

What does 'conflict' mean to you?

  • Is it always negative?
  • How do you usually react when there's a disagreement?

Welcome students and open with a question to engage them about conflict. Ask them to think about what conflict means to them and how they usually react.

Conflict: It Happens!

It's a Normal Part of Life!

  • Conflict just means there's a disagreement or difference of opinion.
  • It's how we handle it that matters.
  • Good conflict resolution can actually make relationships stronger!

Explain that conflict is a normal part of life and doesn't have to be negative. Focus on the idea of resolving it constructively to strengthen relationships.

Strategy #1: 'I' Statements

Speak for Yourself!

  • Instead of "You always..." try "I feel... when... because... I need..."
  • Example: Instead of "You never listen!", try "I feel frustrated when I'm interrupted because it makes me feel unheard. I need to be able to finish my thoughts."
  • Focus on your feelings and needs, not blaming.

Introduce 'I' statements. Explain that they focus on personal feelings and needs without blaming the other person. Give clear examples.

Strategy #2: Listen Up! (Again!)

Hear Them Out

  • Remember our active listening skills?
  • Give the other person your full attention.
  • Try to understand their side, even if you don't agree.
  • Summarize what you heard: "So, if I understand you, you're upset because..."

Briefly recap active listening from the previous lesson. Emphasize its importance in understanding the other person's perspective during a conflict.

Strategy #3: Find Common Ground

Work Together for a Solution

  • What do you both want?
  • Look for shared interests or goals.
  • Brainstorm different solutions together.
  • Sometimes, you might need to compromise!

Discuss finding common ground and brainstorming solutions together. Highlight that a 'win-win' is often possible.

Strategy #4: Know When to Ask for Help

When It's Too Much

  • If a conflict feels unsafe.
  • If you can't agree after trying strategies.
  • If emotions are too high.
  • It's okay and smart to ask a trusted adult (teacher, parent, counselor) for help!

Explain the importance of knowing when a conflict is too big to handle alone and when to seek help from a trusted adult. Emphasize that it's a sign of strength.

Activity: Role-Play Resolution!

Practice Time!

  • Get with a partner or small group.
  • Pick a conflict scenario (e.g., disagreeing on a game, someone spread a rumor).
  • Role-play using the strategies: 'I' statements, listening, finding common ground.
  • How can you resolve it respectfully?

Introduce the role-playing activity. Provide clear scenarios and encourage students to try applying the strategies they just learned.

Your Conflict Toolkit

What did you learn?

  • Which strategy felt most helpful?
  • How will you try to handle conflicts differently next time?
  • Resolving conflict respectfully builds trust and stronger relationships!

Conclude by asking for reflections on the strategies and encouraging students to apply these skills in their daily lives. Reiterate that practice builds confidence.

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