Lesson Plan
Session 1 Lesson Plan
Introduce students to the Social Success Squad, establish group norms, and practice starting conversations through an interactive icebreaker.
Setting clear norms and practicing basic conversation skills in a supportive group builds student confidence, fosters safety, and lays the groundwork for ongoing social growth—especially for learners with autism.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Welcome and Overview
5 minutes
Step 2
Establish Group Norms
10 minutes
Step 3
Teach Conversation Starters
5 minutes
Step 4
Icebreaker Activity
10 minutes
Slide Deck
Social Success Squad – Session 1
Today's Objectives
Establishing Our Group Norms
Conversation Starters
Icebreaker Activity
Reflection & Closing
Lesson Plan
Session 2 Lesson Plan
Teach students to use active listening skills—eye contact, nodding, paraphrasing, and asking follow-up questions—to show genuine interest and deepen conversations.
Active listening builds trust and makes peers feel heard, boosting social confidence and fostering stronger friendships—especially important for 7th graders on the autism spectrum.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Welcome & Recap
5 minutes
Step 2
Introduce Active Listening Skills
8 minutes
Step 3
Scenario Role-Play
7 minutes
Step 4
Follow-Up Question Practice
6 minutes
Step 5
Reflection & Closing
4 minutes
Lesson Plan
Session 3 Lesson Plan
Help students recognize and use nonverbal cues—body language, facial expressions, and tone—to better understand and convey feelings in conversations.
Nonverbal cues often convey more meaning than words. Teaching students to read and use body language and tone supports clearer communication and empathy, crucial for social confidence and friendships.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Welcome & Recap
5 minutes
Step 2
Explore Nonverbal Cues
8 minutes
Step 3
Body Language Charades
7 minutes
Step 4
Tone of Voice Analysis
6 minutes
Step 5
Reflection & Closing
4 minutes
Lesson Plan
Session 4 Lesson Plan
Equip students with structured techniques and confidence strategies to initiate conversations in diverse social settings.
Starting conversations can be daunting for students with autism. Practicing opener scripts and confidence-building activities empowers them to engage peers proactively and independently.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Welcome & Recap
5 minutes
Step 2
Teach Conversation Openers
8 minutes
Step 3
Confidence Building Role-Play
10 minutes
Step 4
Peer Feedback
5 minutes
Step 5
Reflection & Closing
2 minutes
Lesson Plan
Session 5 Lesson Plan
Teach students to sustain and deepen conversations by asking follow-up questions, smoothly shifting topics, and summarizing key points.
Knowing how to keep a conversation flowing helps students feel more confident in social settings, fosters mutual interest, and supports stronger peer connections—essential skills for middle schoolers, especially those with autism.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Welcome & Recap
5 minutes
Step 2
Introduce Follow-Up Questions
8 minutes
Step 3
Topic-Shifting Practice
7 minutes
Step 4
Summarizing Key Points
6 minutes
Step 5
Reflection & Closing
4 minutes
