quickly by may be a clue that now is not a good time to try to talk. Allow students to
share other examples.
5. Explain that our body language (our non-verbal communication) and that of others is
constantly sending messages in the form of social cues. If we have trouble reading or
sending appropriate social cues, we may be considered different or strange. This can
make us unhappy and cause us to suffer from poor self-esteem. Being able to read
body language (an important communication skill) can help students be successful in
situations with other people. All of us occasionally misread others’ body language or
social cues, but if we do it too often, it can cause others to not want to be around us.
6. Guide students in brainstorming and discussing body language that sends the right
message when we are around others. The list should include the following:
v Eye Contact - looking at the eyes of the other person but not staring
v Posture - standing or sitting in a way that is appropriate for the situation
v Appearance - wearing the right clothing to fit the situation
v Tone of Voice - “how” you say something that lets others know how you feel
v Rate of Speech - having the speed of your speech reflect the speed of the person’s
speech with whom you are talking
v Manners - being polite and acting appropriately toward others
v Mannerisms - little habits that you do over and over (twisting your neck, cracking
your knuckles, saying “like,” “you know,” etc.)
v Personal Space - the distance you keep between yourself and others
v Touch - touching others only when it’s appropriate and in appropriate ways
v Gestures - knowing what motions with your arms, hands and fingers you should
use and when
v Walking - walking in ways that send the right message to others
v Punctuality - getting yourself to the right place at the right time
Adapted from: Getting with It: A Kids Guide to Forming Good Relationships and Fitting In by Frank & Smith
7. Divide the class into dyads (pairs). They will work together to create a class
presentation on a particular social skill. (Cut the “Social Skills Assignments” into
strips and let pairs of students choose.)
PROTEAM DREAMQUEST CURRICULUM
2-40
MODULE 2:
v Voice Volume - letting the loudness or softness of your voice match the situation
I Can Communicate
v Facial Expression - examining and trying to understand the looks on others’ faces
and sending the appropriate expression in return