Lesson Plan
Social Superpowers Lesson Plan
Boost a 7th grader’s conversational confidence by practicing icebreakers, active listening, and nonverbal cue reading through guided role-plays and reflection.
Many middle schoolers feel anxious starting or sustaining peer conversations. This individualized 15-minute session builds social ‘superpowers’—practical strategies and confidence for real-life interactions.
Audience
7th Grade Student
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Interactive prompts, role-play, reflection.
Materials
Icebreaker Prompt Cards, Role-Play Scenario Cards, Reflection Worksheet, and Timer (stopwatch or app)
Prep
Prepare Materials
3 minutes
- Review Icebreaker Prompt Cards, Role-Play Scenario Cards, and Reflection Worksheet
- Print and cut prompt and scenario cards; make copies of the worksheet
- Set up a timer and familiarize yourself with each activity step
Step 1
Icebreaker Activity
3 minutes
- Explain that this warm-up builds confidence in casual conversation
- Student draws one of the Icebreaker Prompt Cards and answers (e.g., “What’s your favorite hobby?”)
- Model a follow-up question and offer positive feedback on tone and content
Step 2
Guided Role-Play Scenarios
8 minutes
- Introduce the Role-Play Scenario Cards
- Student selects or is assigned a scenario (e.g., “Joining a game at recess”)
- Role-play both parts, switching roles halfway through
- Prompt or model phrases if stuck; observe eye contact, tone, and body language
- Provide Praise–Question–Praise feedback to reinforce strengths and suggest tweaks
Step 3
Reflection & Goal-Setting
4 minutes
- Give the student the Reflection Worksheet
- Ask them to note what felt easy and what was challenging
- Have them choose one concrete goal (e.g., “Ask a classmate about their favorite subject”) and list strategies to achieve it
- Conclude with encouragement and outline a next step for practicing the goal
Slide Deck
Social Superpowers
A 15-minute one-on-one session to build conversation confidence through icebreakers, active listening, and nonverbal cues.
Welcome the student and introduce the session. Explain that today they’ll unlock their “social superpowers” to feel more confident starting and sustaining conversations.
Session Objectives
• Practice starting conversations with fun icebreakers
• Develop active listening skills
• Learn to read and use nonverbal cues
• Set a personal social interaction goal
Read aloud each objective and check that the student understands. Emphasize real-world benefits.
1. Icebreaker Activity (3 min)
• Draw an Icebreaker Prompt Card
• Share your answer (e.g., “My favorite hobby is…”)
• I’ll model a follow-up question and give positive feedback
Explain the icebreaker: have the student draw a card, answer, then model one follow-up question. Praise their tone and choice of words.
2. Active Listening
• Maintain eye contact
• Nod or use brief verbal cues (e.g., “Uh-huh,” “I see”)
• Ask one follow-up question to show interest
Discuss each listening tip. Ask the student to demonstrate by listening to you ask a question.
3. Reading Nonverbal Cues
• Notice facial expressions (smiles, frowns)
• Watch gestures and posture (open vs. closed)
• Match your tone and body language to the situation
Show examples with your own body language. Have the student mirror you.
4. Guided Role-Play (8 min)
• Choose a Role-Play Scenario Card
• Role-play both parts, switching roles halfway
• Use active listening & nonverbal cues
• Receive Praise–Question–Praise feedback
Guide the student through picking or assigning a scenario. Time each half, switch roles at 4 minutes. Offer prompts as needed.
5. Reflection & Goal-Setting (4 min)
• Complete the Reflection Worksheet:
– What felt easy?
– What was challenging?
• Choose one specific goal (e.g., “Ask a classmate about their favorite subject”)
• List 2 simple strategies to practice
Hand over the worksheet. Read each prompt and let the student fill in answers. Prompt them if they pause.
Next Steps
• Practice your goal every day
• Observe and note peer conversations
• Celebrate small wins
• Plan a quick follow-up to share progress
Wrap up with encouragement. Suggest daily mini-practices and schedule a quick check-in.
Activity
Icebreaker Prompt Cards
Use these cards to spark fun, low-pressure conversations. Have the student draw one card, read the question aloud, and share their answer. Then model a follow-up question.
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
- What’s your favorite hobby outside of school?
- If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do there?
- What’s your favorite movie or TV show right now?
- If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
- What’s one thing that always makes you laugh?
- Do you prefer dogs or cats? Tell me about a pet you like.
- What’s your favorite subject in school and what do you enjoy about it?
- If you could meet any fictional character, who would it be and why?
- What’s one skill or talent you have that you’re proud of?
After each answer, you might ask: “Wow, that’s interesting! Can you tell me more about ______?”
Activity
Role-Play Scenario Cards
Use these cards to practice starting and maintaining conversations. For each scenario:
- Read the situation.
- Write what you would say first to start the conversation.
- Write a follow-up question to keep the conversation going.
Scenario 1: Joining a Game at Recess
You see classmates playing soccer and want to join in.
What would you say to ask if you can play?
What follow-up question would you ask?
Scenario 2: Borrowing a Pencil in Class
A classmate has the pencil you need.
How would you politely ask to borrow it?
What follow-up question could you ask to show appreciation?
Scenario 3: Introducing Yourself to a New Student
A new student joins your class today.
How would you introduce yourself?
What would you ask to learn more about them?
Scenario 4: Inviting Someone to Sit with You at Lunch
You notice a classmate eating alone.
How would you invite them to sit with you?
What follow-up question could you ask to start a conversation?
Scenario 5: Asking for Help with Homework
You’re stuck on a math problem and see a friend nearby.
How would you ask for help?
What follow-up question could you ask to clarify their explanation?
Scenario 6: Complimenting a Peer on Their Artwork
You admire a classmate’s drawing.
How would you give a compliment?
What follow-up question could you ask to learn more about their process?
After filling in your responses, role-play each scenario with a partner, then switch roles to practice both sides of the conversation.
Worksheet
Reflection & Goal-Setting Worksheet
Name: _________________________ Date: ________________
1. What felt easy during our session?
Reflect on the parts of today’s activities that you found natural or simple.
2. What was challenging for you?
Think about any moments where you felt unsure or needed extra support.
3. My Social Goal
What is one specific goal you will work on? (e.g., “Ask a classmate about their favorite subject.”)
4. Strategies to Practice My Goal
List two simple steps you can take to help reach your goal.
- Strategy 1:
- Strategy 2:
5. Plan for This Week
Describe one thing you will do this week to practice your goal.
Keep this worksheet handy and check off your strategies as you try them!
(Use this document as part of your ongoing practice and bring it to our next check-in.)
Lesson Plan
Social Skills Boost Lesson Plan
Guide a 7th grader through a fun icebreaker, targeted role-plays, and a quick reflection to boost confidence in starting conversations and making friends.
Many middle schoolers struggle to initiate or sustain peer interactions. This one-on-one session breaks the ice, practices common social scenarios, and builds self-awareness to foster real-world connection skills.
Audience
7th Grade Student
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Interactive prompts, role-play, reflection.
Materials
Icebreaker Prompt Cards, Role-Play Scenario Cards, Reflection Worksheet, and Timer (stopwatch or app)
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
Step 1
Icebreaker Activity
3 minutes
Step 2
Guided Role-Play Scenarios
8 minutes
Step 3
Reflection & Goal-Setting
4 minutes