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What Are They Saying Without a Word?

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Lesson Plan

What Are They Saying Without a Word?

Students will be able to identify at least three different nonverbal social cues and explain what they might mean.

This lesson is important because understanding nonverbal cues helps students better understand others' feelings and intentions, improving their social awareness and communication skills.

Audience

5th Grade Students

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Direct instruction, observation, and interactive charades.

Materials

Smartboard or Projector, Slide Deck: What Are They Saying Without a Word?, and Emotion Charades Cards

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Connect: Guess the Feeling

2 minutes

  1. Begin by asking students: "Have you ever known how someone was feeling without them saying a single word? How did you know?"
    2. Allow a few students to share their experiences.

Step 2

Introduce Concept: Nonverbal Cues

5 minutes

  1. Display the Slide Deck: What Are They Saying Without a Word? and go through slides 1-4.
    2. Explain what nonverbal cues are, focusing on body language and facial expressions.
    3. Discuss the key concepts: nonverbal cues, body language, facial expressions, and active observation.

Step 3

Guided Practice: Emotion Charades

6 minutes

  1. Explain the rules of Emotion Charades: Students will pick a card and act out the emotion without speaking.
    2. Divide students into small groups or have them volunteer one by one.
    3. Encourage the rest of the class to actively observe and guess the emotion, identifying specific nonverbal cues they notice.

Step 4

Share Out: Reflect and Discuss

2 minutes

  1. Bring the class back together.
    2. Ask: "What was challenging about 'Emotion Charades'?" and "What specific nonverbal cues did you observe that helped you guess the emotion?"
    3. Reiterate the importance of active observation in daily interactions.
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Slide Deck

What Are They Saying Without a Word?

How do you know what someone is feeling without them saying anything at all?

Ask students to share instances where they understood someone's feelings without words. Connect this to their own experiences.

Nonverbal Cues: The Silent Language

Nonverbal cues are messages we send without speaking.

  • Body Language: How we use our body to show feelings.
  • Facial Expressions: The feelings shown on our faces.

Introduce the concept of nonverbal cues. Emphasize that communication isn't just words.

Body Language Basics

Our bodies can tell a story!

  • Crossed Arms: Might mean someone is closed off or upset.
  • Slumped Shoulders: Could show sadness or tiredness.
  • Tapping Foot: Might mean impatience or nervousness.
  • Open Stance: Can show someone is welcoming and relaxed.

Explain body language with examples. Encourage students to think of other examples.

Faces Tell Tales

Our faces are very expressive!

  • Smiling: Usually means happiness or friendliness.
  • Frowning: Often shows sadness or disapproval.
  • Raised Eyebrows: Can indicate surprise or confusion.
  • Wide Eyes: Might mean fear or shock.

Discuss facial expressions and their universality. Ask students if they can think of more.

Becoming a Super Observer

To understand nonverbal cues, we need to be:

  • Active Observers: Pay close attention to what people's bodies and faces are doing.
  • Context Aware: Think about the situation. Sometimes a cue can mean different things!

Why is this skill important?

Explain the importance of putting it all together through active observation.

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Activity

Emotion Charades Cards

Instructions: Cut out each card. Students will pick a card and act out the emotion written on it without speaking. The other students will guess the emotion and identify the nonverbal cues they observed.

Happy




Sad




Angry




Surprised




Scared




Confused




Excited




Tired




Shy




Proud




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What Are They Saying Without a Word? • Lenny Learning