Lesson Plan
Talk With Your Body Lesson Plan
Students will identify and interpret common nonverbal cues and practice using body language to express emotions, enhancing communication and empathy.
Understanding body language boosts self-awareness and empathy, helping students build stronger relationships and communicate effectively beyond words.
Audience
6th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussions, scenario analysis, and role-play.
Materials
Body Language Scenarios Worksheet, Nonverbal Cues Visual Guide, Body Language Reflection Sheet, Timer or Clock, and Whiteboard and Markers
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print copies of Body Language Scenarios Worksheet and Body Language Reflection Sheet for each student.
- Display Nonverbal Cues Visual Guide on the whiteboard or projector.
- Arrange desks in a semicircle to facilitate discussion and role-play.
- Test timer or clock for timing each activity.
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Greet students and introduce the concept of body language.
- Ask: "Can you name ways people communicate without words?"
- Note student answers and emphasize the importance of nonverbal communication.
Step 2
Explore Nonverbal Cues
7 minutes
- Display the Nonverbal Cues Visual Guide.
- Review key cues: facial expressions, posture, gestures, eye contact, and personal space.
- Invite volunteers to mimic each example and discuss how the meaning changes.
Step 3
Scenario Analysis
8 minutes
- Distribute the Body Language Scenarios Worksheet.
- Students work in pairs to read scenarios and identify the nonverbal cues present.
- Each pair shares one scenario and the cues they observed with the class.
Step 4
Role-Play Activity
7 minutes
- In the same pairs, assign one scenario from the worksheet for role-play.
- Students act out the scenario, focusing on using clear nonverbal cues.
- Classmates guess the emotion or message being conveyed solely through body language.
Step 5
Reflection & Wrap-Up
3 minutes
- Distribute the Body Language Reflection Sheet.
- Students write one key takeaway and one strategy they will use to improve their own body language.
- Collect reflection sheets and briefly recap the lesson’s main points.
Slide Deck
Talk With Your Body
An introduction to body language and nonverbal cues
Understanding how we “speak” without words can help us connect and communicate better.
Welcome students! Today we’ll explore how we communicate without words. Use a friendly tone and invite excitement.
Objectives & Agenda
• Identify common nonverbal cues
• Practice interpreting body language in scenarios
• Role-play to express emotions clearly
• Reflect on improving our own body language
Read the objectives aloud. Ask students to follow along and think about why each objective matters.
What Is Body Language?
Body language is the way we share messages through posture, facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, and personal space—without saying a single word.
Ask: “What are examples of communication without speaking?” Collect answers and guide toward the definition below.
Key Nonverbal Cues
• Facial Expressions (happy, surprised, confused)
• Posture (standing tall vs. slouching)
• Gestures (thumbs up, waving)
• Eye Contact (direct vs. avoiding)
• Personal Space (standing close vs. far away)
Display the Nonverbal Cues Visual Guide on the board or projector. Point to each cue as you discuss it.
Seeing Cues in Action
Let’s practice: Volunteers will show one cue. Class, tell us what you think it means!
Invite volunteers to come up and mimic one cue from the visual guide. After each, ask the class what message they saw.
Scenario Analysis
- In pairs, read each scenario on your worksheet.
- Identify the nonverbal cues you see.
- Be ready to share one example with the class.
Hand out the Body Language Scenarios Worksheet. Explain that students will work in pairs to spot cues.
Role-Play Activity
- Act out your assigned scenario using only body language.
- Classmates guess the emotion or message being shown.
- Discuss how each cue helped convey meaning.
Assign each pair one scenario from the worksheet. Remind them to focus on clear, exaggerated cues for classmates to guess.
Reflection & Wrap-Up
• Write one key takeaway from today’s lesson.
• Identify one strategy you’ll use to improve your body language.
Thanks for participating! Great job communicating without words.
Distribute the Body Language Reflection Sheet. Ask students to complete it quietly, then collect.
Worksheet
Body Language Scenarios Worksheet
Use this worksheet during the Scenario Analysis activity in the Talk With Your Body Lesson Plan.
Instructions: Read each scenario carefully. Then answer the questions about the nonverbal cues you observe. Fill in the spaces below.
Scenario 1
Cameron is standing in the hallway next to his locker. He has his arms crossed over his chest, shoulders hunched, and his eyes focused on the floor. A few friends walk by and wave, but he does not respond.
- Identify the nonverbal cues you observe in Cameron's body language.
• Facial expressions:
• Posture and gestures:
• Eye contact and personal space:
- What emotion or message do you think Cameron is communicating?
- Explain how the body language cues support your interpretation.
Scenario 2
Lina is giving a presentation to her class. She stands tall with her shoulders back, makes steady eye contact with her classmates, and frequently uses open hand gestures to emphasize her points.
- List the nonverbal cues Lina is using.
- How do these cues help Lina communicate her confidence?
- Suggest one additional nonverbal cue Lina could use to strengthen her presentation.
Scenario 3
Jordan is listening to a friend share a problem. She leans forward slightly, tilts her head to one side, and nods slowly while keeping her hands in her lap.
- What nonverbal cues show that Jordan is actively listening?
- Why are these cues important for showing empathy?
Scenario 4
During a group discussion, Mateo stands with his arms behind his back, feet shoulder-width apart, and maintains a neutral facial expression. He speaks softly and occasionally glances at the floor.
- Which nonverbal cues suggest Mateo might be feeling unsure or reserved?
- Propose one change Mateo could make to appear more engaged in the discussion.
Bonus Reflection:
Think of a time when you used body language to express how you felt. Write a brief description of the situation and the cues you used.
Reading
Nonverbal Cues Visual Guide
Use this guide to understand and practice the main ways we “talk” without words.
Facial Expressions
Our face can show a wide range of emotions through movements of the eyebrows, eyes, and mouth.
• Smile (😀) shows happiness or friendliness.
• Frown (☹️) can mean sadness or disapproval.
• Raised eyebrows (😲) often signal surprise or curiosity.
Posture
How we hold our body—whether we stand or sit—sends a message about our confidence and attitude.
• Standing tall with shoulders back shows confidence.
• Slouching or hunching can suggest boredom or low energy.
• Leaning forward slightly indicates interest and engagement.
Gestures
Hand and arm movements emphasize what we’re saying or express ideas on their own.
• Thumbs up (👍) means approval.
• Waving hand means “hello” or “goodbye.”
• Open palms can show honesty and openness; crossed arms may seem defensive.
Eye Contact
Where and how long you look at someone’s eyes can affect the tone of your conversation.
• Direct eye contact shows confidence and respect.
• Brief glances away can mean you’re thinking or feeling shy.
• Avoiding eye contact entirely may signal discomfort or disinterest.
Personal Space
The physical distance you keep communicates your comfort level and relationship to others.
• Standing close (about an arm’s length) can show warmth or friendship.
• Giving more space (2–3 arm’s lengths) feels more formal or polite.
• Invading someone’s space too much can make them uncomfortable.
Practice noticing and using these cues in your daily conversations. The more you pay attention, the better you’ll become at reading others and expressing yourself clearly!
Worksheet
Body Language Reflection Sheet
Use this reflection sheet to capture your key takeaways from the Talk With Your Body Lesson Plan and set personal goals for improving your nonverbal communication.
1. Key Takeaway
What is one important thing you learned about body language today?
2. Personal Strength
Which nonverbal cue do you feel you already use well? Describe how you use it.
3. Area to Improve
Identify one aspect of your own body language you want to work on (e.g., posture, eye contact, gestures).
4. Action Plan
What specific action will you take this week to practice this improvement?
5. Expected Impact
How do you think improving this cue will help you communicate better in class or with friends?
6. Reflection Question (Optional)
Think of a recent conversation. How might different body language from you or the other person have changed the outcome?
Thank you for reflecting! Keep this sheet to track your progress and revisit your goals regularly.