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Social Skills Starter

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Lesson Plan

Session 1 Lesson Plan

By the end of this 30-minute session, students will identify and demonstrate active listening techniques and practice conversational turn-taking through guided discussion and paired activities.

Active listening and turn-taking are essential skills for effective peer interaction, empathy, and confidence. This foundation supports stronger relationships and more meaningful conversations.

Audience

10th Grade Dyad

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Guided discussion, paired practice, and interactive games.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Session 1 Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up

5 minutes

  • Display Session 1 Warm-Up Slides
  • Lead a mirroring exercise: Student A makes a posture or gesture; Student B mirrors it, then switch
  • Highlight the importance of noticing nonverbal cues in active listening

Step 2

Discussion

5 minutes

  • Define active listening: eye contact, nodding, paraphrasing
  • Use slide examples to illustrate each component
  • Ask: “What behaviors make someone feel heard?” and record responses on the whiteboard

Step 3

Activity: Practice Active Listening

10 minutes

  • Pair up: Student A shares a personal experience for 2 minutes while B listens
  • Listener uses the checklist on Active Listening Worksheet to note cues (e.g., nods, questions)
  • Switch roles and repeat
  • Debrief: Discuss what behaviors helped listeners stay engaged and what was challenging

Step 4

Game: Conversational Turn-Taking Challenge

7 minutes

  • Shuffle Conversational Turn-Taking Cards and place face down
  • Draw a card to reveal a conversation topic
  • Use the timer app: each student speaks alternately for 1 minute without interruption
  • After two rounds, reflect on how it felt to wait and to be heard

Step 5

Wrap-Up & Goal Setting

3 minutes

  • Ask each student to state one active listening skill they will practice this week
  • Write goals on the whiteboard for accountability
  • Preview next session’s focus on nonverbal communication
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Warm Up

Session 1 Warm-Up Slides

Slide 1: Welcome & Today’s Focus

  • Welcome to Session 1 of our Social Skills Starter!
  • Today’s goal: practice mirroring and notice nonverbal cues.

Slide 2: Mirroring Exercise

  1. Student A picks one posture or gesture (e.g., hands on hips, head tilt).
  2. Student B mirrors exactly for 10 seconds.
  3. Switch roles after 10 seconds.
  4. Repeat 2 times.

Tip: Keep your eyes on each other to match movement accurately.

Slide 3: What Did You Notice?

  • How did it feel to mirror and be mirrored?
  • What made copying easy or challenging?



Slide 4: Nonverbal Cues in Listening

  • Eye Contact: Shows attention
  • Nodding: Signals understanding
  • Facial Expression: Conveys empathy
  • Body Posture: Open vs. closed stance

Nonverbal cues tell speakers you’re engaged—even when silent.

Slide 5: Connecting to Active Listening

  • Mirroring builds awareness of nonverbal signals.
  • Good listening uses both verbal paraphrasing and nonverbal feedback.

Get ready to combine these skills in our discussion and activities!

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Worksheet

Active Listening Worksheet

Part 1: Active Listening Checklist

During your partner’s sharing, check off each behavior you notice:

  • Maintained eye contact
  • Nodded or used nonverbal cues to show understanding
  • Asked clarifying questions
  • Paraphrased or summarized what you heard
  • Used supportive facial expressions
  • Avoided interrupting






Part 2: Paraphrase Practice

Write down what your partner said and then your paraphrase.

What my partner said:











My paraphrase:











Part 3: Reflection

  1. Which listening behaviors were easy for you to notice? Why?












  1. Which behaviors were challenging? What might help you improve?












Part 4: Self-Assessment

  1. Rate your listening during this activity (circle one):
    • Fully engaged Mostly engaged Somewhat engaged Distracted
  2. One listening skill I will focus on improving this week is:






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Activity

Conversational Turn-Taking Cards

Cut along the dotted lines to create individual cards. Each card features a topic. During the game, draw one card and take turns speaking for 1 minute each without interruption.

Topics (15 Cards)

  • Favorite movie and why you like it
  • A memorable childhood experience
  • Dream vacation destination and what you’d do there
  • A new skill you’d like to learn
  • Your current favorite hobby
  • One personal goal you have for this year
  • Favorite season and what makes it special
  • Something that always makes you laugh
  • A book or article you recently enjoyed
  • Your favorite meal to cook or eat
  • A time you felt proud of yourself
  • A family or cultural tradition you enjoy
  • Something new you’ve tried lately
  • A challenge you overcame and how
  • One fun fact about yourself
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