Decoding Social Cues Script

Warm-Up: Photo Analysis (5 minutes)

(Teacher): "Good morning! Today, we're going to become communication detectives. Our mission? To uncover what people are really saying, even when they're not using words. Take a look at the pictures on the screen. What do you notice about the people in these pictures? What clues are their bodies, faces, or even how they're standing giving us about what they might be feeling or thinking? Let's talk about what you observe in each picture for about 30 seconds."

(Allow the student to discuss their observations.)

(Teacher): "What did you notice? What clues did you pick up on? For example, in this picture [point to a specific image on the slide deck], what do you think is going on? What makes you say that?"

(Facilitate a brief discussion, encouraging the student to identify specific non-verbal cues like crossed arms, smiles, frowns, looking away, etc.)

Introduce: Social Cues (Verbal & Non-Verbal) (5 minutes)

(Teacher): "Great observations, detective! What you were doing just now, picking up on those clues, is exactly what we're going to dive deeper into today. We're talking about social cues. Can you take a guess what 'social cues' might mean?"

(Allow for student response.)

(Teacher): "Excellent idea! Social cues are essentially the signals people give off – both with their words and without them – that give us hints about what they're thinking, feeling, or intending. There are two main types: verbal cues, which is simply what someone says, and non-verbal cues, which is everything they communicate without words.

Today, we're going to focus on those powerful non-verbal cues, because they often tell us so much! Let's break them down:

• Body Language: This is all about how your body is positioned or moves. Think about it: If someone is slouched over with their head down, what might that tell you? [Pause for response - e.g., tired, sad, bored]. What if someone is standing tall with their chest out? [Pause for response - e.g., confident, proud]. Crossing your arms, leaning in, tapping your foot – these are all forms of body language.

• Facial Expressions: Our faces are incredibly expressive! A smile usually means happiness, a frown often means sadness or disapproval. What about raised eyebrows? [Pause for response - e.g., surprise, confusion]. Wide eyes? [Pause - e.g., fear, shock]. Our faces give away a lot.

• Tone of Voice: Even though it's still sound, your tone of voice is how you say words, not just the words themselves. If I say, 'Oh, that's great,' in a very flat, unenthusiastic voice, does it sound like I actually think it's great? [No!] What if I say it with excitement? [Yes!] A whisper might mean secrecy, a loud voice might mean anger or excitement. It's all about the emotion and emphasis in your voice.

"So, to recap, non-verbal cues are like silent messages from our bodies, faces, and voices that give us a deeper understanding of what's happening. And being able to 'read' these cues helps us understand others better and communicate more effectively."

Activity: 1-on-1 Scenario Breakdown (10 minutes)

(Teacher): "Alright, detective, it's time for our main investigation! You're going to put your new social cue decoding skills to the test. I'm going to present a few 'Personalized Social Scenario Photos' to you. Your task is to look closely at each photo. For each scenario:

1. Identify at least three non-verbal cues you see (body language, facial expression, tone of voice if you can imagine it).
2. Discuss with me: What do you think these cues are telling you about the situation or the people involved? Why do you think that? What feelings or intentions might be present?
3. Be ready to share your observations and interpretations.

"We'll have about 10 minutes for this activity. Make sure to contribute to the discussion. If we finish early, try to think about alternative interpretations or what might change the meaning of the cues. Let's look at the photos now."

(Guide the student through the scenarios, offering guidance, prompting deeper thinking, and ensuring they are focused on identifying specific cues and interpreting their meanings.)

Discuss: Mismatched Cues (3 minutes)

(Teacher): "Alright, let's bring it back together. Fantastic work being a social cue detective! I heard some really insightful discussions.

Now, here's a thought: Have you ever seen someone say one thing, but their body language or facial expression told a completely different story? Like, they say, 'I'm fine,' but they're scowling and have their arms crossed?

What happened in that situation? Or, why do you think this can sometimes happen? How can it make communicating with someone tricky?"

(Encourage the student to share a brief, general example or thoughts on why cues might be mismatched and the impact it has on communication.)

(Teacher): "That's right. Sometimes people aren't aware of their non-verbal cues, or they might be trying to hide how they truly feel. Understanding that cues can be mismatched is an important part of truly decoding social situations."

Cool-Down: Social Cue Scavenger Hunt (2 minutes)

(Teacher): "To wrap up our lesson, I have one last task for our social cue detective. I'm handing out an 'Exit Ticket'. On this ticket, I want you to answer two quick questions:

1. What was one new thing you learned about social cues today?
2. How can understanding non-verbal cues help you in your daily life, maybe with friends, family, or even just observing people around you?

"Please complete these silently and hand it to me when you're done. Your thoughtful responses will help me understand what resonated with you today. Great work!"

Personalized Social Scenario Photos: Decode the Cues!

Instructions: With your teacher, look at each scenario below. Imagine you are seeing a photo of this situation. Discuss and write down:

1. Three non-verbal cues you might observe (body language, facial expression, implied tone of voice).
2. What these cues potentially mean about the person's feelings or the situation.
3. Why you think that!

Scenario 1: The Group Project

Description: Three students are sitting at a table. One student is leaning back in their chair, arms crossed, staring at the ceiling. Another student is hunched over their notebook, writing furiously, occasionally glancing nervously at the first student. The third student is looking at both of them with a slightly worried expression, hands clasped together on the table.

Non-Verbal Cues Observed:

Potential Meaning & Why:

Scenario 2: Lunchroom Drama

Description: Two friends are sitting across from each other at a lunch table. One friend is talking animatedly, using hand gestures, with a wide smile. The other friend is looking down at their food, picking at it slowly, with their shoulders slightly slouched. Their responses are minimal and quiet.

Non-Verbal Cues Observed:

Potential Meaning & Why:

Scenario 3: Asking for Help

Description: A student is standing near a teacher's desk after class. The student has their backpack clutched tightly in front of them, is avoiding eye contact, and is speaking very softly. The teacher is leaning forward slightly, with a soft, encouraging smile.

Non-Verbal Cues Observed:

Potential Meaning & Why:

Social Clue Exit Ticket: Decoding Reflection

Instructions: Please answer the following questions to reflect on what you learned today. Hand this to your teacher as you leave.

1. What was one new thing you learned about social cues today that surprised you or made you think differently?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Think about your daily life: How can understanding non-verbal cues help you in a specific situation, either with friends, family, or even just observing people around you? Give a brief example.