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Talk, Text, Connect

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Lesson Plan

Talk, Text, Connect Lesson Plan

Students will develop and practice clear verbal messages, interpret nonverbal cues, and apply appropriate digital communication etiquette through interactive, real-world activities.

Strong communication skills build confidence, foster positive relationships, and equip students for respectful, effective interactions both in person and online.

Audience

7th Grade

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Hands-on role-plays, visual analysis, and digital etiquette brainstorming.

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Define communication and its three modes: verbal, nonverbal, and digital.
  • Share lesson objectives and explain why each skill matters in everyday life.

Step 2

Verbal Communication Activity

15 minutes

  • Pair students and distribute Verbal Scenarios Worksheet.
  • In pairs, students role-play scenarios, focusing on clear tone, volume, and word choice.
  • After 10 minutes, reconvene and have two pairs demonstrate one scenario each. Provide feedback on clarity.

Step 3

Nonverbal Communication Interpretation

10 minutes

  • Project Nonverbal Cues Image Cards one by one.
  • Students write down the emotion or intention they observe for each image.
  • Discuss as a class: how posture, facial expressions, and gestures convey meaning.

Step 4

Digital Communication Etiquette Brainstorm

10 minutes

  • Display Digital Etiquette Poster.
  • In small groups, students list examples of positive and negative digital behaviors on sticky notes.
  • Groups share one tip in each category; teacher records on the whiteboard.

Step 5

Exit Ticket and Reflection

5 minutes

  • On a sticky note or index card, students write:
    • One new verbal communication tip they’ll use.
    • One nonverbal cue they’ll apply.
    • One digital etiquette rule to remember.
  • Collect responses to assess understanding and close the lesson.
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Slide Deck

Talk, Text, Connect

• Craft clear verbal messages
• Interpret nonverbal cues
• Practice digital communication etiquette

Welcome students to the “Talk, Text, Connect” lesson. Introduce the three modes of communication and explain why these skills matter in school and life.

What is Communication?

Communication is how we share thoughts and feelings.

Three modes:
• Verbal – spoken words
• Nonverbal – body language, facial expressions
• Digital – online messages, emails, texts

Define communication broadly, then walk through each mode. Ask students for examples.

Verbal Communication

Key elements:
• Tone of voice
• Volume and clarity
• Word choice and structure

Explain that tone, volume, and word choice affect how our message is received. Demonstrate saying the same sentence in different tones.

Verbal Communication Activity

  1. Pair up and pick a scenario from Verbal Scenarios Worksheet.
  2. Role-play focusing on tone, volume, and clarity.
  3. Two pairs will demonstrate for feedback.

Hand out the worksheets and pair students. Circulate to support clear delivery. After 10 minutes, invite two pairs to demonstrate.

Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal cues convey emotion and intent:
• Facial expressions
• Gestures and posture
• Eye contact

Act out simple expressions (happy, confused, angry) and ask students to identify them. Emphasize posture and gestures.

Nonverbal Cues Interpretation

  1. Observe images on Nonverbal Cues Image Cards.
  2. Write the emotion or intention you see.
  3. Discuss how posture, expression, and gestures add meaning.

Project each image card one at a time. Students write their interpretations, then share. Guide discussion on accuracy and context.

Digital Communication

Important for online interactions:
• Tone is harder to read
• Respect and clarity are key
• Follow etiquette rules

Discuss how digital messages can be misread without tone and body language. Collect a few student stories.

Digital Etiquette Brainstorm

  1. View the Digital Etiquette Poster.
  2. In small groups, list positive and negative digital behaviors on sticky notes.
  3. Share one tip from each list with the class.

Display the poster and give each group sticky notes. Encourage a range of behaviors (e.g., using emojis appropriately, avoiding ALL CAPS).

Exit Ticket & Reflection

On a sticky note, write:
• One verbal communication tip you’ll use
• One nonverbal cue you’ll apply
• One digital etiquette rule to remember

Explain that this exit ticket helps you see what they learned and what to revisit. Collect them as students leave.

Next Steps

• Practice these skills in everyday conversations
• Observe others’ nonverbal cues
• Be mindful of etiquette online

Questions?

Summarize the key takeaways. Encourage students to practice these skills daily. Invite any final questions.

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Worksheet

Verbal Scenarios Worksheet

Partner Role-Play Directions:
In pairs, choose a scenario and take turns playing Speaker A and Speaker B. Focus on tone, volume, clear word choice, and structure. After each role-play, give feedback to your partner.



Scenario 1: Asking for Help

You need help understanding tonight’s math homework. As Speaker A, clearly and politely ask your partner (Speaker B) for assistance. As Speaker B, respond with clear instructions.

Speaker A (Your Script):






Speaker B (Your Response):






Scenario 2: Giving Directions

Your partner is new to the school and wants to find the library. As Speaker A, give precise, step-by-step directions. Speaker B, ask clarifying questions if needed.

Directions:











Scenario 3: Making a Polite Request

You would like your friend to lower their music volume. As Speaker A, make a polite request using “please” and provide a clear reason. Speaker B responds.

Request (A):






Response (B):






Scenario 4: Giving a Compliment

Compliment a classmate on their recent presentation. As Speaker A, deliver a genuine compliment with details. Speaker B responds with gratitude.

Compliment (A):






Response (B):






Scenario 5: Greeting and Introduction

You’re meeting a new student in your homeroom. As Speaker A, introduce yourself, share two facts about you, and ask a question to keep the conversation going. Speaker B shares their introduction.

Introduction (A):










Reflection

  1. Which scenario was easiest for you? Why?
  2. Which scenario was most challenging? Why?
  3. What verbal communication tip will you remember and use in the future?











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Activity

Usage Instructions for Nonverbal Cues Image Cards

Use these cards to practice interpreting nonverbal signals. Project them one at a time or distribute printed cards to pairs/groups. For each card, students should note the emotion or intention they observe and the clues (facial expression, posture, gesture) that led them to that conclusion.

Student Task:

  1. Observe each image closely.
  2. Write the emotion or intention you see.
  3. Identify two nonverbal clues supporting your interpretation.

Cards

Card 1: nonverbal-cue-card-1

Image Description: A student with arms crossed, eyebrows furrowed, and lips pressed tightly together.

Your Interpretation:




Clues:
- __________
- __________


Card 2: nonverbal-cue-card-2

Image Description: A person leaning forward, smiling broadly, and making direct eye contact.

Your Interpretation:




Clues:
- __________
- __________


Card 3: nonverbal-cue-card-3

Image Description: Someone shrugging shoulders, head tilted to one side, lips slightly pursed.

Your Interpretation:




Clues:
- __________
- __________


Card 4: nonverbal-cue-card-4

Image Description: A student slouching in a chair, eyes downcast, with a small frown.

Your Interpretation:




Clues:
- __________
- __________


Card 5: nonverbal-cue-card-5

Image Description: A person with hands on hips, chin raised, and a slight smirk.

Your Interpretation:




Clues:
- __________
- __________


Card 6: nonverbal-cue-card-6

Image Description: Someone covering their mouth with one hand and widening their eyes.

Your Interpretation:




Clues:
- __________
- __________


Card 7: nonverbal-cue-card-7

Image Description: A student tapping their foot rapidly, avoiding eye contact, and biting their lip.

Your Interpretation:




Clues:
- __________
- __________


Card 8: nonverbal-cue-card-8

Image Description: A person waving both hands energetically and grinning widely.

Your Interpretation:




Clues:
- __________
- __________

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Reading

Digital Communication Etiquette Poster

Key Principles

Tone: Use friendly, clear language. Avoid ALL CAPS and harsh words.
Respect: Be courteous—think before you post.
Clarity: Keep messages concise and on-topic.
Privacy: Protect personal details—don’t overshare.
Timing: Respond promptly, and respect others’ schedules.
Emojis: Use sparingly to reinforce tone, not replace words.
Proofread: Check spelling and grammar before sending.


Dos and Don’ts

✅ Do…🚫 Don’t…
Greet recipients politelyUse rude or insulting language
Keep messages focused and briefSend long, rambling texts
Use emojis to clarify toneRely on ALL CAPS or excessive emoji
Respect others’ opinionsEngage in online arguments
Maintain confidentialityShare private info publicly
Proofread before sendingIgnore spelling and grammar errors

Quick Tips

  1. Read messages aloud to check tone.
    2. Pause and edit before you hit “send.”
    3. Include “please” and “thank you” online, too.
    4. Respect “Do Not Disturb” and quiet hours.
    5. When in doubt, ask clarifying questions.
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Cool Down

Reflection Exit Ticket

As we wrap up today’s lesson, please take a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned. Write your responses in the space provided.

  1. One verbal communication tip I will practice this week is:





  2. One nonverbal cue I’ll pay attention to or use in my interactions is:





  3. One digital etiquette rule I’ll remember when texting or emailing is:





  4. Something I found challenging today or want to learn more about is:









Thank you for your honest reflections! Your feedback helps me support your learning.

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Warm Up

Communication Warm-Up

Time: 5 minutes

1. Quick Write

Think of one example of each mode of communication you used or observed since you woke up. Write your responses below:

Verbal Communication:


Nonverbal Communication:


Digital Communication:


2. Think-Pair-Share

  • Turn to a partner and share one of your examples.
  • Discuss: Which mode was easiest for you? Which was most challenging?

3. Class Share (Optional)

Teacher: Invite 2–3 pairs to quickly share one insight before moving into our main lesson activities.

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