Lesson Plan
Unlock Your Voice Lesson Plan
Students will practice active listening, clear expression, and nonverbal cue recognition through paired scenarios and expression challenges to build confidence and improve peer interactions.
Strong communication skills foster positive relationships, academic success, and self-confidence. Tier 2 support ensures students needing extra practice can engage in guided activities and reflections.
Audience
9th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive peer activities with guided reflection
Materials
- Whiteboard and Markers, - Communication Scenario Cards, - Expression Prompt Cards, - Active Listening Reflection Sheet, - Timer, and - Index Cards
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print and cut out Communication Scenario Cards for paired dialogues
- Print and cut out Expression Prompt Cards for expression challenge
- Print copies of the Active Listening Reflection Sheet
- Gather index cards for icebreaker and prompts
- Set up whiteboard and markers to display objectives and key terms
- Have a timer or stopwatch ready
Step 1
Introduction and Warm-up
5 minutes
- Write lesson objectives on the whiteboard: active listening, clear expression, nonverbal cues
- Explain how these skills support effective peer communication
- Icebreaker “Two Truths and a Lie”: each student writes two truths and one lie on an index card and shares; peers guess the lie to practice attentive listening
Step 2
Active Listening Activity
10 minutes
- Pair students and distribute one Communication Scenario Card per pair
- Student A reads and describes the scenario aloud while Student B listens without interrupting, using nonverbal cues (nodding, eye contact)
- Student B paraphrases what they heard and asks clarifying questions
- Switch roles and repeat with a new scenario card
Step 3
Expression Challenge
10 minutes
- Shuffle Expression Prompt Cards and place face-down
- Students take turns drawing a card and have 1 minute to express the idea or emotion using clear verbal statements and nonverbal cues (facial expression, gestures)
- Peers guess the intended message and offer feedback on clarity and body language
Step 4
Reflection and Discussion
5 minutes
- Distribute Active Listening Reflection Sheet
- Students individually complete quick reflections on which skill felt strongest and which needs improvement
- Invite volunteers to share one takeaway and set a personal goal for using these skills in future conversations
Slide Deck
Unlock Your Voice
A Tier 2 Small Group Session on Communication Skills
9th Grade • 30 Minutes • Interactive Activities
Welcome everyone! Today we’re kicking off our Tier 2 small group session, “Unlock Your Voice.” I’ll introduce our focus on three key skills: active listening, clear expression, and reading nonverbal cues. Let’s get excited to practice together!
Session Objectives
By the end of our time together, you will:
• Practice Active Listening
• Express Ideas Clearly
• Recognize Nonverbal Cues
Read the objectives out loud and explain why we’re focusing on these skills. Emphasize how each skill helps in school, friendships, and beyond.
Introduction & Warm-Up
Icebreaker: “Two Truths and a Lie”
• Write 2 true statements + 1 lie on an index card
• Share with the group while peers listen closely
• Group guesses the lie and discusses listening clues
Introduce the icebreaker “Two Truths and a Lie.” Distribute index cards. Give 2 minutes for each student to write their statements, then share. Encourage attentive listening.
Active Listening Activity
• Pair up and pick a Communication Scenario Card
• Student A reads scenario; Student B listens without interrupting
• B paraphrases and asks clarifying questions
• Switch roles with a new card
Explain the Active Listening Activity. Pair students, hand out Communication Scenario Cards. Model one round if needed. Remind students to use nonverbal cues and paraphrase.
Expression Challenge
• Draw a card from Expression Prompt Cards
• 1 minute to convey idea/emotion using words + body language
• Peers guess your message and give feedback on clarity
Introduce the Expression Challenge. Shuffle and place Expression Prompt Cards face-down. Model how to use gestures and tone. Encourage supportive feedback.
Reflection & Discussion
• Complete the Active Listening Reflection Sheet
• Reflect: Which skill felt strongest? Which needs work?
• Share one key takeaway with the group
Explain the reflection sheet. Distribute Active Listening Reflection Sheet. Give students 2 minutes to complete. Then invite volunteers to share.
Personal Goal Setting
Think about how you’ll use these skills this week:
• Set one personal goal (e.g., “I will paraphrase once in every group discussion.”)
• Write it down and share with a partner
Guide students to set a personal goal using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable). Invite 2–3 volunteers to share their goal.
Closing & Next Steps
Keep Practicing Your Voice!
• Use active listening in class
• Express ideas clearly in group work
• Notice nonverbal cues in conversations
Thank students for their participation. Encourage them to practice these skills in class, with friends, and at home. Remind them that strong communication opens doors!
Worksheet
Communication Scenario Cards
Cut out each card and use during the Active Listening Activity. One student reads the scenario aloud; the partner listens and paraphrases.
Scenario 1
Your friend tells you they’re upset after seeing a low grade. They say, “It’s no big deal,” but you notice them slouching and avoiding eye contact. What might you say to check in and show you’re listening?
Scenario 2
During a group discussion, a classmate interrupts you repeatedly while you’re sharing an idea. You feel frustrated but don’t want to be rude. How would you describe what happened and ask to finish your thought?
Scenario 3
You overhear someone in the hallway sharing a rumor about a peer. They look around to see if anyone is listening. What could you say to confirm what you heard and respond respectfully?
Scenario 4
Your classmate mentions they’re nervous about presenting and start fidgeting with their hands. They say, “I’m fine,” but you notice their voice is shaky. How would you reflect back what you see and offer support?
Scenario 5
In the lunch line, a student accidentally spills their tray on someone else and quickly says, “Oops!” without helping. The other student looks surprised. What might you say to describe the situation and suggest a helpful next step?
Scenario 6
Your friend is laughing at their phone but, when you ask why, they close it and say, “Nothing,” with their arms crossed. How could you paraphrase what you observed and invite them to share more?
Scenario 7
A teammate on sports day barely responds when you offer strategy ideas and looks down at the ground. You want to understand their reaction. How would you describe their behavior and ask a clarifying question?
Scenario 8
A partner for a group project texts you, “Do what you want,” then stops responding. You’re not sure what they mean. What would you say to restate their message and find out what they really want?
Worksheet
Expression Prompt Cards
Cut out each card and use during the Expression Challenge. One student draws a card and has 1 minute to convey the prompt using clear verbal statements and nonverbal cues (facial expressions, gestures). Peers guess the intended message and offer feedback.
Prompt 1
Express excitement about winning a prize. Use gestures and tone to show enthusiasm.
Prompt 2
Convey disappointment after a planned field trip is canceled. Show feeling through facial expression and body language.
Prompt 3
Show surprise at unexpected news. Use your voice and nonverbal cues to highlight shock.
Prompt 4
Express empathy to a friend who is feeling sad. Use tone and posture to communicate understanding.
Prompt 5
Demonstrate frustration when your internet connection suddenly drops during an important task.
Prompt 6
Show gratitude for someone’s help on a difficult assignment. Include eye contact and a sincere tone.
Prompt 7
Express nervousness before taking a big test. Use your body language and voice to convey anxious feelings.
Prompt 8
Demonstrate confidence while presenting a project to your classmates. Use clear posture and steady eye contact.
Prompt 9
Show confusion when you don’t understand a homework question. Use gestures and tone to indicate puzzlement.
Prompt 10
Express encouragement to a teammate who is struggling. Convey support through your facial expressions and words.
Worksheet
Active Listening Reflection Sheet
Name: _____________________________ Date: _______________
- Which skill (active listening, clear expression, or reading nonverbal cues) did you feel strongest in during today’s session? Explain why.
- Which skill do you feel you need to improve the most? What made it challenging?
- Describe one specific moment during the session when you used active listening effectively. What did you hear and how did you respond?
- What is one SMART goal you will set to practice your communication skills this week? (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
- Any additional reflections or feedback on today’s activities?