Lesson Plan
Team Talk Lesson Plan
Students will understand and practice communication, teamwork, and empathy by engaging in real-life scenarios, role-play, and reflection to develop strategies for effective collaboration.
Soft skills like communication, teamwork, and empathy are crucial for academic success, positive relationships, and future workplaces; this lesson helps students connect, solve conflicts, and work collaboratively.
Audience
7th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive scenarios, role-play, and reflection
Materials
- Soft Skills Scenario Cards, - Empathy Role-Play Cards, - Team Talk Reflection Worksheet, - Timer or Stopwatch, and - Pens and Paper
Prep
Gather Materials and Review
5 minutes
- Print and cut out Soft Skills Scenario Cards and Empathy Role-Play Cards
- Make copies of Team Talk Reflection Worksheet for each student
- Arrange classroom seating to facilitate small-group and pair work
- Review all materials to familiarize yourself with scenarios and role-play options
Step 1
Introduction
3 minutes
- Define 'soft skills' and explain focus on communication, teamwork, and empathy
- Ask students to share examples of when they used these skills
- Outline today’s activities and goals
Step 2
Scenario Activity
10 minutes
- Divide students into groups of 3–4
- Distribute Soft Skills Scenario Cards to each group
- Groups read their scenario and discuss how to handle it using communication, teamwork, and empathy
- Each group selects one solution to share with the class
Step 3
Role-Play
8 minutes
- Pair students and give each pair an Empathy Role-Play Cards
- Pairs role-play their assigned situation, practicing perspective-taking and empathetic responses
- After 4 minutes, switch roles so each student experiences both perspectives
Step 4
Reflective Worksheet
8 minutes
- Hand out the Team Talk Reflection Worksheet
- Students individually reflect on their strengths in communication, teamwork, and empathy
- They write down one specific goal for improving collaboration in future group work
Step 5
Wrap-Up
1 minute
- Invite 1–2 volunteers to share one takeaway or personal goal
- Reinforce the importance of applying these skills in daily interactions and upcoming projects
Lesson Plan
Soft Skills Lesson Plan
Students will define and apply key soft skills—communication, active listening, and teamwork—by engaging in scenario discussions, paired listening exercises, and collaborative challenges to strengthen their abilities and set personal improvement goals.
Developing soft skills helps students build positive relationships, collaborate effectively, and succeed academically and in future careers. Practicing these skills in class improves communication, empathy, and group problem-solving.
Audience
7th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive scenarios, role-play, and collaborative tasks
Materials
- Soft Skills Scenario Cards, - Active Listening Checklist, - Teamwork Challenge Cards, - Soft Skills Reflection Worksheet, - Timer or Stopwatch, and - Pens and Paper
Prep
Gather Materials and Review
5 minutes
- Print and cut out Soft Skills Scenario Cards and Teamwork Challenge Cards
- Make copies of Active Listening Checklist and Soft Skills Reflection Worksheet for each student
- Arrange desks to support both small-group and pair activities
- Review all materials to familiarize yourself with scenarios, checklists, and challenge tasks
Step 1
Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Ask students to brainstorm examples of soft skills and record responses under headings: Communication, Active Listening, Teamwork
- Briefly define each skill and discuss why they matter in school and everyday life
Step 2
Scenario Discussion
10 minutes
- Divide students into groups of 3–4
- Distribute Soft Skills Scenario Cards to each group
- Groups read their scenario, identify which skills apply, and discuss possible approaches
- Each group selects one approach to share with the class
Step 3
Active Listening Exercise
8 minutes
- Pair students and give each pair an Active Listening Checklist
- Student A shares a recent experience while B uses the checklist to listen, ask clarifying questions, and summarize
- After 4 minutes, switch roles so both practice listening and speaking
Step 4
Teamwork Activity
5 minutes
- Keep students in their groups and distribute Teamwork Challenge Cards
- Teams work together to complete a quick challenge, applying communication and cooperation strategies
- Briefly discuss which teamwork strategies were most effective
Step 5
Reflection & Wrap-Up
2 minutes
- Hand out the Soft Skills Reflection Worksheet
- Students write one strength they demonstrated and one goal for improvement
- Invite 1–2 volunteers to share a key takeaway or personal goal
Slide Deck
Soft Skills: Communication, Listening & Teamwork
An interactive 30-minute session to practice skills for better relationships and collaboration.
Welcome students and introduce the session. Explain that today we’ll explore communication, active listening, and teamwork—skills they use every day.
Today’s Objectives
• Define three key soft skills: communication, active listening, teamwork
• Practice applying each skill in activities
• Reflect on your strengths and set a personal goal
Read each objective aloud and invite students to think about why each matters in school and life.
Warm-Up: Brainstorm Soft Skills
• Form three columns: Communication, Active Listening, Teamwork
• Students call out examples and you jot them under each heading
• Briefly discuss why these skills matter
Ask students to shout out examples of soft skills. Record on board under three columns.
What Are Soft Skills?
Soft skills are personal qualities that help us interact effectively with others. Examples:
• Communication: sharing ideas clearly
• Active Listening: fully focusing on a speaker
• Teamwork: collaborating to achieve a goal
Clarify the definition of soft skills and give real-life examples.
Scenario Discussion
- Divide into groups of 3–4
- Each group gets a Soft Skills Scenario Card
- Read and decide how to handle it using our three skills
- Choose one solution to share
Explain group formation and hand out Soft Skills Scenario Cards. Emphasize using all three skills.
Sample Scenario
“Your group project deadline is tomorrow and one teammate hasn’t done their part. How do you communicate, listen, and collaborate to solve it?”
Project this sample scenario to model discussion: “You’re planning a group project, but one member isn’t contributing.”
Active Listening Steps
Use your Active Listening Checklist:
- Face the speaker and make eye contact
- Nod and use verbal cues (“I see,” “Uh-huh”)
- Ask clarifying questions
- Paraphrase what you heard
- Give feedback calmly
Walk through each step. Invite students to ask clarifying questions about the checklist.
Active Listening Exercise
- Pair up and assign A/B roles
- A shares a recent experience (2 min) while B uses the checklist
- Switch roles for another 2 minutes
- Notice how paraphrasing and questions help understanding
Explain pairing and timing. Circulate to observe and give feedback.
Teamwork Challenge
- Stay in your groups
- Each team picks a Teamwork Challenge Card
- Complete the mini-challenge in 5 minutes
- Reflect on which communication and cooperation strategies worked best
Introduce Teamwork Challenge Cards and timing. Emphasize quick strategy planning.
Reflection & Goal Setting
On your worksheet:
• Write one soft skill you showed today
• Describe a specific example
• Set one goal to improve your collaboration in future activities
Distribute Soft Skills Reflection Worksheet. Give quiet time for writing.
Wrap-Up & Takeaways
• Who wants to share a takeaway or goal?
• Remember: practice communication, listening, teamwork every day!
• Use these skills in class, at home, and with friends
Invite 1–2 volunteers to share their goals. Reinforce that practicing these skills daily makes them stronger.
Activity
Soft Skills Scenario Cards
Use these cards in small groups to identify key soft skills and brainstorm solutions. For each scenario, discuss the questions below and be ready to share your approach.
Card 1: The Silent Teammate
Your group is working on a science project. One member rarely speaks up, even when you ask for ideas. The deadline is approaching, and you need their input.
Questions to Discuss:
- Which soft skills can help include this teammate?
- How would you invite them to share their thoughts?
- What could you say or do to make them feel more comfortable?
Card 2: The Misunderstood Message
You sent a text to a friend asking to meet after school, but they replied angrily, thinking you were blaming them for something. You realize there was a miscommunication.
Questions to Discuss:
- Which soft skills are needed to clear up the misunderstanding?
- What active-listening questions could you ask?
- How would you communicate your true intention?
Card 3: The Group Chat Argument
During planning for the class bake sale, two classmates start arguing in your group chat about who should bake which item. The conversation is getting heated.
Questions to Discuss:
- How can teamwork and communication skills calm the situation?
- What steps would you take to ensure everyone’s voice is heard?
- How would you propose a fair solution?
Card 4: The Nervous Presenter
One of your teammates is scheduled to present your group’s poster but feels very anxious and is trembling when practicing in front of you.
Questions to Discuss:
- What empathetic statements could you use to support them?
- How can you practice active listening to understand their concerns?
- What teamwork strategies might help boost their confidence?
Card 5: The Unfair Workload
You notice that one student is doing nearly all of the writing and research for your history assignment while the rest of the group just watches.
Questions to Discuss:
- Which soft skills would help address this imbalance?
- How would you communicate the issue without accusing anyone?
- What team approach could redistribute tasks fairly?
Card 6: The Teacher Feedback
After receiving feedback on your group’s art project, the teacher points out areas for improvement. One member takes the critique personally and shuts down.
Questions to Discuss:
- How can you use communication and empathy to respond to the feedback together?
- What active-listening steps can you take when your teammate shares their feelings?
- How would you encourage the group to view feedback as an opportunity to grow?
Worksheet
Soft Skills Reflection Worksheet
1. Soft Skill Demonstrated
Write one soft skill you used today in the activities (communication, active listening, or teamwork).
2. Example from Today
Describe a specific moment when you showed this skill. What did you do or say?
3. Personal Strength
What do you think is your strongest soft skill? Why do you consider it a strength?
4. Goal for Improvement
Set one specific, achievable goal to improve your collaboration in future group activities.
5. Action Steps
List two steps you will take to reach this goal.
- _______________________________________________
- _______________________________________________
Activity
Active Listening Checklist
Use this checklist during your paired listening exercise to ensure you’re fully engaged and responsive.
- Face the speaker and maintain eye contact
- Give nonverbal cues (nod, smile, appropriate facial expressions)
- Eliminate distractions (put away devices, turn body toward speaker)
- Use verbal acknowledgments (“I see,” “Uh-huh,” “Go on”)
- Ask clarifying questions (“Can you tell me more about…?”)
- Paraphrase or summarize (“So what I hear you saying is…”)
- Reflect feelings (“It sounds like you felt…”)
- Wait for speaker to finish before responding
- Offer constructive feedback or perspective calmly
Activity
Teamwork Challenge Cards
Use these cards in your groups to practice communication and cooperation. Each team selects one card and completes the challenge within 5 minutes. Be ready to share which strategies helped your team work best!
Card 1: Marshmallow Tower
Objective: Build the tallest free-standing structure using only spaghetti and a marshmallow on top.
Materials:
- 20 uncooked spaghetti strands
- 1 marshmallow
- Timer (5 minutes)
Instructions:
- Plan: Discuss how you’ll use the spaghetti strands for a stable base.
- Build: Construct your tower, adjusting as needed.
- Test: Place the marshmallow on top and see if it stands.
- Reflect: Identify which communication and teamwork strategies helped your design succeed.
Card 2: Blindfolded Maze Guide
Objective: Guide a blindfolded teammate through a simple obstacle course using only verbal directions.
Materials:
- Blindfold
- Obstacle course setup (chairs, cones, tape on floor)
Instructions:
- Set up a short, safe obstacle path.
- One teammate is blindfolded; others plan clear verbal cues (“take two steps forward,” “turn right”).
- Begin guiding: Use only voice instructions—no touching.
- Switch roles after completing the course.
- Debrief: Discuss how clear speaking and active listening impacted success.
Card 3: Jigsaw Puzzle Relay
Objective: Complete a small jigsaw puzzle as a relay, passing pieces only when teammates give a specific cue.
Materials:
- 12–20 piece jigsaw puzzle
- Table divided into two halves (one for puzzle area, one for waiting zone)
Instructions:
- Place all puzzle pieces in the waiting zone.
- Teammates take turns: only the “builder” can place pieces.
- To pass a piece, the “waiter” must say a teamwork cue (e.g., “Your turn!”) clearly.
- Continue until puzzle is complete.
- Reflect: Talk about how timing, listening for cues, and supportive feedback helped you work together.
Card 4: Paper Web Rescue
Objective: Transfer a lightweight object (e.g., ping-pong ball) across a “web” of connected paper loops without touching it directly.
Materials:
- Strips of paper (5 per team)
- Tape
- Ping-pong ball or lightweight ball
Instructions:
- Create a “web” by linking paper loops into a small net.
- Place the ball at one end of the web.
- Lift and tilt the web using group coordination to move the ball to the other end.
- If the ball falls off, pause and plan improvements.
- After success, discuss how coordinating movements and clear roles supported teamwork.